The Zeitz Foundation for Intercultural Ecosphere Safety

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

The four regional events of the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup 2010, sponsored by Safaricom and the Zeitz Foundation and organized in collaboration with Laikipia Wildlife Forum, are now completed and we are gearing up for the finals at Nanyuki Stadium, to be attended by the Patron of the LUC Samuel Eto'o, to take place on the 20-21st of July (next Tuesday and Wednesday).

The regional events have been overwhelmingly successful in meeting the objectives of the tournament and we would like to share a few of the highlights with you before moving on to the finals:

- 4 x 3 day football events have taken place, bringing together thousands of people from every corner of Laikipia in peace and unity, including thousands from rural communities and towns and the local MPs (Hons, Kiunjuri, Muriithi, Ole Kaparo and Muriuki attended opening or closing ceremonies at events in their respective constituencies), chiefs, members of the provincial administration, KWS, BATUK, LWF and the Kenyan Airforce, as well as gaining support and involvement from Nairobi based Embassies – including South Africa, the UK, Germany, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil - and UNEP. These events were organised by Zeitz Foundation, Laikipia Wildlife Forum and BATUK, in collaboration with and hosted by Laurie Sessions and Segera/Zeitz Foundation in Central Unit; Anne and Gilfrid Powys in Western Unit; John Elias in Uaso Nyiro Unit; and Micheal Dyer in Eastern Unit in their capacity as the respective LWF Unit Directors. Most of the Conservancy and ranch owners in Laikipia donated meat and Highlands Water donated over 1000 litres of water.

- 32 football teams have taken part in the competition, culminating in the selection of a regional 'composite' team (which includes the 20 best players from each region) which will represent their region in the semi-finals/finals on the 20-21 July. The winners of the regional events were:

Central Unit - Nanyuki Combined.

Western Unit - Sosian.

Uaso Nyiro Unit - Mpala.

Eastern Unit - Kisima.

- Over 12,000 people, mainly women and children, have received free medical attention from the 20 strong medical team present at each camp. These teams also provided HIV/aids and STD awareness sessions for all the players, as well as HIV testing and deworming to all clients. The medical teams were from Nanyuki District Hospital and the Kenyan Airforce, led by Dr George Mochama. Medicines were donated by the Diplomatic Spouses Association, MACs pharmacy, Gertrudes Gardens Hospital and GSK.

- 1000's of people in Laikipia were able to join in the excitement and spirit of the World Cup through the match screenings on giant screens at every event.

- Over 500 trees have been planted and thousands of people have taken part in many different environmental activities, ranging from local clean ups, to lectures on

conservation agriculture and sustainable water management, through to the construction of predator proof boma's, to mention just a few.

- MYSA (Mathare Youth Sports Association) have held football clinics and environmental education sessions for 1000's of children, whilst doing a great job of selecting players for the regional representative teams. They will also be providing coaching to these teams in advance of the finals. The visiting MYSA football teams played the regional teams in an exhibition match each weekend.

- A further aspect worth noting is that throughout the whole event there has not been a single unpleasant or disruptive incident either on or off the field despite almost a thousand young men and women being brought together and living in close proximity, with thousands of their supporters attending. The behaviour and spirit shown by all teams was exemplary and a credit to the communities and institutions they represent. People really have come together in a spirit of peace and unity and a willingess to collectively build a better future for Laikipia. There is now enormous enthusiasm for the Laikipia Unity Cup and a desire to see it become an annual event from every corner of the District and beyond.

The highlights at the finals on the 20 and 21st of July will see play-offs between the regional teams, a final between the winning regional teams, followed by a match between Mathare United and Laikipia United. The Laikipia United team will be selected from the best players from each region and will truly represent a United Laikipia.

Please come along to the finals and support your region and team. We look forward to seeing you there. Please also note the change in dates from those advertised, it is now on the 20-21st July, not the 21st and 22nd as originally planned.

Thanks to all those who have come together and made the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup a great success so far.

With best regards

Dr Liz Rihoy
Zeitz Foundation Programme Director

Dr Anthony King
Laikipia Wildlife Forum Director
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