Sports stakeholders in Garissa County marked the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026 on Monday with the launch of a grassroots football tournament aimed at youth empowerment and talent development.
The initiative, dubbed the Noordin Badel Soccer Extravaganza, seeks to expand opportunities for young people through structured competition and talent identification across the county.
The 2026 global observance is themed “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers”, emphasizing the role of sport in fostering inclusion, connection and peace.
The tournament is an initiative of 2027 Garissa Township MCA hopeful Noordin Badel Tube. Mr. Tube said the programme is designed to create pathways for young athletes while recognising their potential.
“This tournament is about more than competition. It is about giving young people a pathway and recognising their potential,” he said during the launch.
The engagement forum, held at a sports facility in Garissa town, brought together athletes, stakeholders and community leaders from across the region.
Mr. Badel noted that the initiative reflects a growing capacity among local sports groups to organise and lead development-focused programmes.
“Athletes are stepping forward not only as competitors but also as leaders, planners and communicators,” he said, adding that “the initiative challenges long-standing stereotypes by promoting a more structured and inclusive sporting culture”.
Globally, the day underscores sport’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing health, gender equality, reduced inequalities and peaceful societies.
Established by the UN General Assembly and marked annually on 6 April, the observance recognises sport as a tool for promoting human rights as well as social and economic development.
Registration for the Garissa tournament begins on Tuesday through the Football Kenya Federation Garissa branch, with applications to be reviewed before selected teams receive fixtures and guidelines. The competition is scheduled to kick off on 4 May 2026.
Yunis Haji Dekow, patron of RTG Football Club, said the competition will help foster inclusion and civic engagement within the community.
He noted that beyond sport, the initiative provides a platform for advancing human rights and strengthening social cohesion.
He added that grassroots competition and the ongoing construction of Garissa Stadium represents a strategic investment in human capital and community resilience, with completion expected before the end of the year.
“It will provide a safe and accessible public space for diverse groups, including youth, women and persons with disabilities,” he said.
Mr. Dekow who is also chairman of Royal Halann Service, observed that improved access to such facilities promotes equality and participation while reinforcing key human rights principles.
He added that the venue is likely to strengthen social cohesion by creating opportunities for interaction across communities.
“Sporting activities and public events will foster unity, discipline and mutual respect while offering young people constructive engagement,” he said.
Economically, Garissa stadium will stimulate local growth through job creation and increased business activity, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transport and small-scale trade.
The Stadium, the first ultra-modern sporting facility in North Eastern is critical investment that will drive social development and economic opportunity.
