By Eddah Waithaka
More than 600 boys and girls aged 9 to 18 packed Tatu Primary School’s grounds for the annual Stuart Dowsett Memorial Rugby Tournament, transforming the field into a vibrant arena of cheers, chants, and fierce competition.
The Shamas Rugby Foundation, backed by Brussels Barbarians Rugby Football Club Celtic (BBRFC Celtic), organized the event to honor the legacy of Stuart Dowsett, former BBRFC Celtic President (2006–2010).
Tatu City, the tournament’s host and Shamas Rugby Foundation’s largest financial supporter, amplified the event’s impact through its ESG initiative, Tatu Reach.
Rugby as a Catalyst for Change
Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, emphasized the power of sport in youth development.
“The passion we saw today proves why we invest in programmes like this through Tatu Reach. Rugby isn’t just a game, it’s a lifeline and a leadership school for Kenya’s youth. We’re proud to partner with Shamas as they open doors for the next generation,” he said.
Young players from Shamas centres in Mathare, Kangemi, Korogocho, Kayole, Ngewe, Oaklands, and Mutundu battled across U11, U13, U15, and U18 categories, showcasing not just athletic skill but also resilience, discipline, and teamwork.
A Legacy of Growth and Community
Joseph Otieno Api, Shamas Rugby Foundation’s Head of Programs and Rugby Lifeskills, highlighted the tournament’s deeper purpose.
“This event celebrates growth on and off the pitch. Rugby teaches respect, resilience, and leadership. Seeing these players take charge of their game and uplift each other is the best tribute to Stuart Dowsett’s vision,” he said.
BBRFC Celtic, a Belgium-based club with a strong community focus, has supported Shamas for over a decade. Beyond Kenya, the club runs school rugby programmes in Brussels, including at Collège Saint Michel and the British School of Brussels.
Their partnership with Shamas has channeled over €28,000 into rugby and life skills initiatives, including support for Orbit Children’s Home in Kayole.
Tatu Reach Expands Opportunities
Through Tatu Reach, Tatu City empowers Shamas’ mission to equip underprivileged youth with life skills, education, and employability training.
Today, over 3,000 students from surrounding schools and informal settlements engage in rugby-led programmes that pave the way for long-term success.
Since its launch, Tatu Reach has impacted more than 15,000 beneficiaries through education, healthcare, job training, and sports initiatives, reinforcing Tatu City’s commitment to inclusive community growth.
Tatu Primary celebrated a triumphant day at the tournament, clinching victories across various age groups.
The U11 Boys dominated Mathare with a score of 14–7, while the U11 Girls achieved a convincing 21–7 win over the same rival.
Tatu’s U13 Girls continued the winning streak, defeating Oaklands 21–7, followed by the U13 Boys who outperformed Mathare with a score of 21–14. In a close match, Ngewe Primary edged past Tatu in the U15 Boys category, winning 14–7, but Tatu bounced back in the U15 Girls division, triumphing over Ngewe 14–7.
Tatu’s success continued with the U18 Girls, who secured a 21–14 victory against Ngewe, while the U18 Boys match saw Tatu Primary also emerge victorious.
Mathare 21–7 The tournament’s success underscored rugby’s power to unite, inspire, and transform lives one try at a time.
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