By Agnetta Okwemba
Churches in Mombasa are turning to sports to emphasize mental health awareness.
The Mombasa Inter-Churches Sports Evangelism group, which started its tournament in July, had its semi-finals and finals at Bamburi Cement.
What started as a WhatsApp group to bring churches together for a football match in October 2023, turned into a CBO transforming lives into Christianity, focusing on youth.
In an interview with Blue Radio, Collins Ondago, a deacon in training at Christ Co Workers Fellowship Central, Mombasa and lecturer at JKUAT, describes himself as a youth enthusiast, with the CBO focusing on empowering the youth.
"Youth challenges are unique per their times. When we empower one of them, we have changed a whole generation," said Collins Ondago, Chairman Mombasa Inter-Churches Sports Evangelism Group.
Collins Ondago, Deacon in training at Christ Co Workers Fellowship Central, during the semi-finals and finals tournament at Bamburi Cement Photo: Courtesy
The slogan "Kuokoka si kuboeka" was heard at the event to urge people to turn to God and live a happy life as it is not a boring place, as people term it.
The tournament was graced by men and women across all age brackets, empowering everyone without discrimination.
"Before the match, we have a devotion and a one-on-one interaction among us where we can share our thoughts and ideas," added Collins.
Having started with just one church competing against its branch members, it has grown to 10 churches and now 17 churches. It graces the field with games like football and volleyball and entertains kids whose parents are game participants.
Spectators cheer on as Nyali Baptists Wazee team faces off with Crossroads Football team. Photo: Courtesy
Benson Karomo, a church member and a Nyali Baptist football team player, describes this group as one that brings men together and has a sense of belonging.
"In our society, due to the characteristics of men, we are mostly left alone to think our way out of situations," explained Karomo.
The Nyali Baptists Wazee team, consisting of men over 37 years old, won the match against the Crossroads Football team.
Karomo explains that his mental health is taken care of during the match as they can interact freely without judgement of his social status in society.
"During the match, the little boy in a man is brought out which is not always seen," he said.
The Wazee team was seen to be active on the field, kicking the ball with a lot of energy, with their families cheering them on.
Karomo urged other men to join sports groups, which can improve their health and help them cope with work stress.
