Following the extremely successful first edition of the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup, it will once again be taking place in 2012
Objectives:
The objectives of the event in 2012 will be:
To promote unity and understanding amongst diverse groups within Laikipia and beyond, contributing to peace building efforts in the run up to the 2012 general elections and local community development;
To raise awareness of environmental and conservation issues amongst Kenyan youth;
Delivery of health care to marginalised communities in Laikipia;
To promote Laikipia as a tourism destination internationally.
Organisers:
The main organisers of the event are the Zeitz Foundation and the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, in partnership with the Nanyuki District Hospital, the British Army Training Unit (BATUK), the Kenyan Airforce, Mathare Youth Sports Association, the Laikipia Peace Caravan, 50 Treasures of Kenya, IUCN and wildlife conservancies and ranches throughout Laikipia. 2010 saw a further 20 organisations supporting the event, many of whom will be involved again in 2012. The patron of the event - who will participate in the finals in Nanyuki - is Samuel Eto’o, international football star.
Participants:
A total of 40 football teams will participate in the five regional tournaments, 8 teams per region. These teams will represent their particular villages/areas, all ethnic groups in Laikipia, local government, formalised Natural Resource User Groups, the University and other educational establishments and wildlife conservancies. Directly involving some 800 players, the LUC also attracts thousands of additional supporters (over 20,000 in 2010) who participate in a broad range of environmental and peace building activities. MYSA teams, drawn from underprivileged areas in Nairobi also participate at each of the four events and Mathare United will play the Laikipia Unity Team - drawn from the best players throughout Laikipia, strengthened by Samuel Eto’o - in a friendly match following the regional finals in Nanyuki.
Dates and Locations: The regional events will take place at four different locations - all surrounded by wildlife conservancies - around Laikipia, over 5 weekends in April and May.
13-15th
April
North Kenya Polo Fields
20-22nd
April
Endana Primary School
27-29th
April
Kimanjo Primary School
4-6th
May
Ol Maisor Primary School
11-13th
May
Kinamba Primary School
The finals and friendly match with Mathare United will take place in Nanyuki on the 22nd and 23rd of May.
