Record-breaking turnout as East African Chipkizi Swimming Champs makes a splash in Arusha

The waves of excitement are building in Arusha as the much-anticipated East African Chipkizi Swimming Championship gears up to make a splash from December 19 to 21, 2025, at Braeburn School drawing over 700 swimmers and 50 teams from eight nations in what promises to be the region’s most thrilling youth aquatic showdown yet.

‎‎This year’s edition has already shattered participation records, a clear sign of the growing enthusiasm for aquatic sports across East Africa.

From Kenya to Zanzibar, young swimmers are ready to dive into three action-packed days of competition, teamwork, and continental pride.

‎‎Kenya will be represented by a powerful lineup of both school and club teams, including  Pioneer School, St. Bakhita, Mustard Seed International, Juja St. Peter’s, Woodcreek, Rusinga, Moi Educational Centre, Gold Fish Swimming Club, Aqua SharksFin, and Supermarlins, among others.

Each team brings with it Kenya’s trademark determination and sporting spirit, making the country a top contender for regional glory.

‎‎Uganda, another powerhouse in East African swimming, will send elite clubs such as Olympian Swim Club, Torpedo, Silverfin, Aquatic Academy, Starfish, and  Aqua Skii  reflecting the country’s growing investment in youth aquatic development.

‎‎Host nation Tanzania is leaving nothing to chance. Home teams like Riptide, UWCEA, Lake Victoria, Mwanza Swim Club, Braeburn Schools Tanzania, and Elite Aqua Swim Club are eager to use the home advantage to make waves and keep the trophies in Arusha.

‎‎The swimming championship is part of the larger Chipkizi Cup 2025, a multi-sport extravaganza that also features football and basketball  across several venues including TGT Grounds, Aga Khan Sports Centre, Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, and  United World Colleges (UWC).

‎‎Now in its 16th year, the Chipkizi Cup has grown from a local football event into one of Africa’s most vibrant youth sports festivals.

With swimming now in its third edition and basketball in its second, the tournament continues to evolve into a true celebration of athletic talent and cross-cultural unity.

‎‎Future Stars Academy (FSA), led by Director Alfred Itaeli, is behind this success story. Itaeli confirmed that most nations have already registered, adding that the tournament will feature structured age-group competitions across all sports.

‎‎“In addition to swimming and basketball,” Itaeli said, “the 2025 Chipkizi Cup will include football categories from Under-7 to Under-20 for both boys and girls, ensuring fair competition and development at every level.”

‎‎The event has caught global attention, with talent scouts and agents from the United States, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe expected to attend in search of the next generation of African stars.

‎Genesis Sports Limited and endorsed by the Tanzania National Sports Council, the Chipkizi Cup 2025 stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and youth empowerment — proving that sport continues to be a powerful force bringing the continent together, one splash at a time.