Kenya's Ice Lions run hot on East Africa's only hockey rink
With enthusiasm and passion, Kenya's Ice Lions have skated their way into the International Ice Hockey Association. The young national team has its sights set on the Olympics.
East Africa's only ice rink
These enthusiastic Kenyans have discovered a passion for ice hockey. In 2006, out of boredom, a group of Canadians set up the Panari Ice Skating Rink in Nairobi, the only ice rink in all of East Africa. The Ice Lions, Kenya's young national ice hockey team, train there regularly, testing their skills in friendly competitions against international opponents.
Celebrating multiple triumphs
These senior players in green and red jerseys are celebrating their first cup victory in a friendly tournament. The January 24 victory came shortly after the Kenyans became the fifth African team to be accepted into the International Ice Hockey Federation. For the team, this is a step on the long road to their big dream: competing in the Winter Olympics.
Expert tips from Canada
Canadian Tim Colby coaches the Ice Lions and is a former ice hockey referee. He is overwhelmed by the team's determination. "They don't take anything for granted," said Colby. "They're very, very dedicated players."
Full speed ahead
Younger players often can't afford the $10 fee to use the ice rink. So once a week, members of the Ice Lions offer children's training sessions in a parking lot in downtown Nairobi — to huge enthusiasm.
True enthusiasm
The warm temperatures in the East African metropolis are a challenge; the rink's energy consumption and costs are huge. The hall in Nairobi is only a quarter of the size of an Olympic ice rink, so the team can't play five-a-side. Instead, they play three-versus-three, plus a goalkeeper. Before they received a generous donation, the Ice Lions would take turns, sharing the skates and sticks.
One team, one dream
Team captain Benjamin Mburu, 41, has been playing ice hockey for nine years. He's an architect and, like his teammates, trains and plays in his spare time without pay. For Mburu, inclusion in the International Ice Hockey Association is a "huge step" toward the Olympics. "It shows us that we are doing the right thing, and we are going to get where we want to go," he told AFP.
Playing with pucks
Enthusiasm for the sport is spreading, with more and more Kenyans becoming interested in ice hockey, attending matches and cheering on their team.
'You never give up!'
The next test for the Ice Lions will be the African Nations Cup of Ice Hockey, later this year, where the players will face teams from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. Carol Joseph, 28, is the only woman on the team. She believes in the team's ambitions, and said the support of the fans is everything. "You never give up!"