Nairobi — The Young Men Christian's Association Open swimming gala started yesterday at the organisation's headquarters along State House Road in Nairobi. The gala attracted 290 swimmers from schools and clubs around Nairobi.

The freestyle race attracted most participants in both the boys' and girls' categories.

In the 14-16 years boys' race, George Kariuki of Makini School raced to win with a time of 38.30 seconds, beating Geoffrey Watene of Jamhuri High and George Nyoro of Lenana School into second and third place respectively. Watene posted 38.76 seconds.

The girls' event in the same category was won by Latoya Makotsi of State House Girls in 46.53 closely followed by Laura M'Mella (48.31) and Suzanne Njambi (49.84).

Domination

The boys' 12-13 years race was won by Fredrick Kathembe of Nairobi Primary with 50.61 seconds. Kathembe beat a strong YMCA team to second and third position; Adrian Nevis (59.56) and Vivek Sharma (1:00.75).

Nadia Christian of YMCA posted a time of 50.44 to win the girls' race ahead of Corrine Nanjala of Epren Academy (53.23) and Annabel Oile of Bubbles Swimming Club (55.75)

Makini School dominated the 10-11 category in the girls' race with their swimmers occupying the second to the seventh spot. Stephanie Miduda of Bubbles, however, managed to win the race with a time of 20.47.

Alice Nyanjiru (23.26) and Sarah Wairimu (24.76) were second and third respectively.

Individual medley

The boys' race was a tight contest as Jackson Nyaboga needed a mighty last effort to beat Balucci Kegodhe to second place. Nyaboga posted 20.63 seconds against Kegodhe's 20.79.

23 year-old Jesse Ng'ang'a won the Individual Medley in the 17 and over category, beating Gideon Kioko (1:59.53) and Ezekiel Njoroge (2:01.60) into second and third place respectively.

The tournament ends today the best team overall will be awarded a trophy while individual winners will be given medals and certificates. Winners in the individual and relay races are awarded points which will contribute to their school's or clubs tally. Tournament organizer Patrick Wainaina said that YMCA intends to make the gala a bi-annual event under the Nairobi Amateur Swimming Association's (NASA) annual calendar. The gala attracted sponsorship to the tune of Sh170,000 with Safaricom donating t-shirts worth Sh120,000 and Glaxo Smithkline giving juice worth Sh50,000.