SCENES shines a highlight on youth around the globe which are breaking down obstacles and creating change. The character-driven quick movies will encourage and amaze, as these younger change-makers inform their exceptional tales.
Kenyans are famend for his or her velocity and endurance on the operating monitor however are much less identified for his or her dominance on the ice. Benjamin Mburu is the captain of the nation's nationwide hockey workforce, the Kenya Ice Lions. He counts himself among the many pioneers of ice hockey in Kenya, a sport steadily rising in recognition throughout Africa.
Benjamin's introduction to hockey happened in highschool, the place he performed curler and avenue hockey with buddies. "At some point, the blokes who had been enjoying ice hockey referred to as me as much as the ice rink and advised me to come back to attempt. Since then, I've by no means regarded again. I fell in love with the game, and I really like each second of enjoying ice hockey," he says.
The Roaring Ice Lions
Central and East Africa's solely ice rink is contained in the Panari Lodge in Nairobi. The constructing is subsequent to a nationwide park, dwelling to a few of Africa's most well-known wildlife. The group determined to incorporate the animals of their title as a mark of respect.
"The title of our workforce, The Kenya Ice Lions, originated from the well-known lions of Africa and Kenya. So, it was a straightforward adaptation. The lions within the nationwide park on ice," says Benjamin. "Now we have the lions, and we wish to roar," he gleefully provides.
Ranging from Scratch
Tim Colby, a 59-year Canadian expatriate, is the workforce's coach. He was initially hesitant to tackle the accountability, however the Kenyan gamers' pleasure inspired him to simply accept the problem.
"At first, I warned towards it as a result of it is very complicated and laborious to do. There are folks of all ages enjoying, and a few come and go. This makes it laborious to maintain monitor of every part," says Tim. "One of many issues that I am liable for is ensuring that there is some organisation," he provides.
A Promising Future
Sports activities like ice hockey are predominantly performed in international locations with chilly climate. Though it's a winter sport, ice hockey has turn out to be one of many world's hottest and profitable skilled sports activities leagues. The Ice Lions had been impressed to attempt ice hockey, despite the fact that it is not widespread in Africa.
"Kenya is on the equator. It is a tropical nation," Tim tells Scenes, arguing that local weather is not the one issue within the unfold of ice hockey amongst Kenyans. "However that exhibits the passion of the Kenyan gamers. The game has a future right here."
Coach Tim is happy with the gamers' efficiency; some have even impressed skilled athletes. "There's nice potential in any respect ranges. On the grownup degree, the gamers have actually shocked folks. Some North American (gamers) who've come listed below are very shocked with the ability degree."
Tools Points
Ice hockey might be harmful, and gamers should put on in depth protecting gear. "You want helmets, cages to guard the face and physique armour," explains Coach Tim.
In Kenya, it's troublesome to seek out ice hockey gear, as no shops specialise within the sport. "Skates can value tons of of dollars, and delivery can also be very troublesome. We principally rely on donations, however it's nonetheless rather a lot to ship it into the nation," says Benjamin.
The Olympic Dream
Hassan Ali Shah, one of many Kenya Ice Lions' senior gamers, desires of seeing his workforce compete regionally and internationally.
"I wish to see the Kenya Ice Lions enjoying with different international locations in Africa. I wish to see us going to the Olympics, representing the Kenyan flag. I can be a lot proud," Hassan says. "For the children (juniors), I can be proud and completely satisfied to see them drafted to the NHL. That is one thing that I imagine. It is one thing that almost all of us wish to see occurring."
The Ice Lions' desires of an African participant being chosen by the NHL someday might turn out to be a actuality because the Nationwide Groups of Ice Hockey reviews that 5 different African international locations additionally play the game: South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia. The gamers hope that Nairobi's Photo voltaic Ice Rink will encourage different districts throughout Kenya to open ice rinks and provides ice hockey a go, despite the fact that their nation shouldn't be historically related to the game.
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