A youth group from Mwea Sub-county in Embu has embarked on an initiative of combating drug, alcohol and substance abuse among fellow youths using sports.
Mwema Youth for Youth Organisation held the inaugural soccer tournament pitting boys’ and girls’ teams from Mwea Ward and the neighbouring Makima Ward at Karaba Stadium.
In attendance were officials from National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) alongside leaders from the two areas and County Officials led by Governor Cecily Mbarire whose administration gave out trophies and cash awards to participants.
Mwea Ward took both trophies for boys and girls after outshining Makima teams where boys won 2-0 and girls 3-1.
The organisation Vice Chair Milka Kilonzo said drug and alcohol abuse was on the rise in the areas especially among the youth posing a major threat to the social-economic development.
This, she said, was the reason behind their coming together to address the menace before things get out of hand.
She said they decided to use sports as the main tool in the war owing to its unifying power to keep the youth away from drugs by ensuring they are distracted from antisocial behavior.
She said the platform gives them an opportunity to educate them about drug abuse that will go a long way in giving them resilience against antisocial behaviors.
Makima Ward Rep Philip Nzangi commended the group for the initiative that will help young people live a drug free life and be able to positively utilise their potential.
He said as leaders, they will partner and support them in whichever way possible in this noble course, sentiments that were also echoed by County Lands CEC Raymond Kinyua and Sports Chief Officer Pithon Muchoki.
On her part, Governor Mbarire said her administration was keen on building the talents of young people in sports and arts.
Additionally, the Governor announced that plans were underway to hold a county soccer tournament dubbed Governor’s Cup for male and female teams. Other games to be featured are volleyball and darts.
“We will start right from the ward level going up and we project the tournament will climax towards the end of the year,” she said.
By Samuel Waititu
