The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has underscored the significance of sports towards peace-building and co-existence.
MCK Director for Media Training and Development Victor Bwire told journalists to prioritise their mental health noting that sports is one of the platforms they can use to decompress.
He said journalists often encounter traumatic experiences while in the line of duty, noting that these experiences tend to inflict mental pain that can in turn impede their general well-being.
“The Media Council of Kenya is fully cognisant of the emotional and physical benefits brought about by sports hence the decision to integrate it into the Council’s Media Information Literacy Interventions Programme”, said Mr Bwire during the Amani World Radio Day Cup 2024.
He noted that as part of the World Radio Day 2024 celebrations, MCK supported by UNESCO had organised the Amani Cup Tournament 2024 to not only provide them with an opportunity to relive their stress but to also actively campaign for the safety and welfare of journalists.
Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) acting Director for Information and Communications Angela Muchai echoed Mr Bwire’s sentiments, urging the media, public and youth to use sports as a way to champion peace keeping efforts and co-existence.
The Amani Cup Tournament which took place at Kisii High School saw Kisii Media FC play against Kisumu Media FC play while UNESCO Youth Team A played against UNESCO Youth Team B.
The victors of the two matches, Kisii FC and UNESCO team A proceeded to the finals where Kisii Media FC emerged the ultimate winners with a score of 1-0.