31 October 2024
Tough challenge means opportunity for Kenya Curling
They might not be stepping onto the medal podium this year, but Kenya’s teams have travelled to compete again this year in Lacombe, making them an ever-present at the Pan Continental Championships so far.
As far as their men’s lead Joseph Mwangi – who is making his second appearance – and second player Simon Karanja – competing for the third time – are concerned, it is all worth it. As Simon explains, with his team yet to win a game, “playing here is tough, but we’re learning a lot. So, when we go back, we can tell the others and we can improve.”
Joseph and Simon both come from Nairobi, the nation’s capital and they found that an advantage as they try to pursue their curling careers. Simon explains, “Nairobi is a central place, so it’s good to live there. We were introduced through floor curling in Kenya. Then when we saw it on videos and YouTube we thought – we could do this. Our coach taught us how to play it, and then we gained interest.”
Simon also explained, “when we come here, we get to see and play on the proper ice, and that’s important too.”
Like many of the teams competing this week, including in the A-Divisions, the Kenyans have had to fund their own way here and, as Simon says, “that’s a problem, because someone might be better than me, but they can’t afford to be here.”
That’s why the money gift that the Lacombe Curling Club gave to all the teams when they arrived was so welcome and important.
Joseph has left behind his job as a miner to compete, and he says, “we just want for this sport to be known in Kenya, and we want to be able to improve.” And talking about his personal motivation, he adds, “for me, it’s a big deal to come here and represent our country.”
As it stands, both the Kenya men’s and women’s teams look like going home without a win in the competition. However, by simply being in Lacombe and being part of the Championships, the members of both teams will have learned a lot off the ice as well as on it, while making plenty of new friends and admirers – all in the true spirit of curling.
Before travelling to Lacombe, the Kenya squad had participated for the first time at the World Mixed Championship in Aberdeen, Scotland, a further example of the efforts those involved are making to try to put curling in, and from, Kenya onto the map.
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