Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has extended the much-needed support to girl boxers in high-need communities ostensibly to enable them achieve their greatest potential in sport.
During the Association’s second Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programe, SJAK donated an assortment of household items to King Abaka Boxing Foundation with an express purpose to promote inclusivity, and indeed, foster a love for sports among school going girls in underprivileged slum areas.
TV anchor Abuller Ahmed, who also chairs SJAK’s CSR program remarked that the organization has been actively involved in various empowerment initiatives, including rewarding excellence for coaches and players in the country.
“In this elaborate CSR initiative that we rolled out two months ago, we have envisaged programs for sports personalities in need. Our campaign at King Abaka Foundation this weekend was tailormade to sustain equitable access to sports for school going girls in the underprivileged areas,” said Abuller
Reflecting on SJAK’s philanthropic campaign across the vast sporting ecosystem, Abuller explained: “Sports donations have a profound impact on youth development, including access to sports equipment and programs, donations can help bridge the gap for underprivileged youth. We are urging well wishers and sponsors to time forward and support girls in underprivileged areas in a bid to foster the girl child’s confidence and boost self-esteem and confidence in young people undertaking sports in slum areas.”
Abaka said boxing has taught them valuable life skills like teamwork, self defence, communication, and leadership.
“Through King Abaka Foundation, we have also been supported on matters of education. Our Coach Abaka has helped mobilise funds to help pay our school fees from well wishers and this has since worked to bolster our academic performance,” she said .
Abaka, the founder of King Abaka Boxing Foundation, Kenya’s only boxing NGO, thanked SJAK for acknowledging the Foundation’s good work.
Abaka, a Sergeant in the Kenya Defense Forces, is one of the finest pugilists of his generation alongside the likes of Rayton “Boom Boom” Okwiri and Benson Gicharu.
Abaka, Gicharu and Okwiri made boxing history by being Kenya’s first boxers to box in the AIBA PRO BOXING (APB).
Known for his hard- hitting antics, Abaka is now running a program in KOROGOCHO to help young boys and girls realise their potential in sports.
Korohocho’s adjacent neighbourhood Kariobangi produced some of Kenya’s greatest pugilists under
late Coach Eddie Papa Musi. Kenya’s first lady Olympian Elizabeth Andiego and Commonwealth Games gold.medalist Christine Ongare are products of Kariobangi.
“I started my boxing in Kariobangi under Coach Eddie Musi but took my coaching antics to the neighbourhood Korogocho slum because I felt there was a need to spread the sport far and wide.” Abaka said.
“The visit means a lot to us — not only because of the goodies you shared with the children, but also because of the recognition you have given to former champions who are now giving back to the community through sports and mentorship.
Your kind gesture has uplifted our spirits and reminded us that the work we do in transforming lives through boxing does not go unnoticed. The smiles on the faces of the children today said it all — they felt seen, valued, and supported,” said Abaka.
“As King Abaka Boxing Foundation, we remain committed to shaping champions inside and outside the ring,” Abaka added.
SJAK rolled out a quarterly CSR program aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and teams within the sporting ecosystem. This new initiative was marked by a visit to ailing former Harambee Stars tactician Tom Olaba, who is currently battling health challenges following spinal cord surgery.