Plans underway for Kenya to join the International Ice Hockey Federation

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ICE HOCKEY Plans underway for Kenya to join the International Ice Hockey Federation

Abigael Wafula 13:09 - 01.08.2023

If they manage to become a full federation they may be eligible for government funding.

The Kenya Ice Hockey Federation has set its sights on being a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation, a step that would see the sport gain more traction in the country.

Head coach Tim Colby posted on his Instagram handle that they are working on a strategic plan to see them bid to join the sport's world governing body. 

Missing the ice in the off-season as the Ice Lions now play in meeting rooms to do a Constitution, Strategic Plan, and Ethics Policy to become an official Sports Federation and join the International Ice Hockey Federation next up. The dream continues,” Colby said.

He added that the growing interest in the game has made everything necessary and if they manage to become a full federation they may be eligible for government funding since it is one of the major issues they are facing at the moment.

In order to be a member of the IIHF, Kenya needs to pay approximately Ksh485,032 in addition to an annual fee of about Ksh 161,680, sums that those in charge of the project do not have.

“Part of our funding comes from the sale of our jerseys. If we play an international match in the future, it is certain that we will proudly wear the colours of our country and our lion,” he added, as per RDS.

An online crowdfunding campaign also provides a small budget for the Ice Lions, but it is not enough for the survival of Kenyan hockey.

According to Colby, ice hockey in Kenya is still in its infancy even though the sport has existed there since 2007 and is growing in popularity.

“We have around 50 men and women players, but not enough women to form a women's team. The level of play is approximately equivalent to what is called bantam in Canada and it varies between classes A, B, and C.

"But more and more young people are interested in it and we cannot keep up. Especially since there is only one ice rink in the whole country. It is small and the corners are square. But this is our house.

"Once recognized by the International Federation, we will be able to grow our networks and utilize the IIHF's player, team, and coaching program development resources. That way, we will be able to promote hockey even more in Kenya,” he added.

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