Cheptiret/Kipchamo Ward’s men and Racecourse Ward’s women shrugged off the underdog tag to emerge winners of the Uasin Gishu Governor’s Cup Volleyball Tournament on Saturday.

Against the expectation, Cheptiret men, captained by David Wanyama, humiliated Kipkenyo 3-0 in a well-spectated final match, witnessed by Governor Jonathan Bii, International footballer, McDonald Mariga, and United Democratic Alliance’s Chair, Cleophas Malala, played at Eldoret Polytechnic Grounds.

Cheptiret/Kipchamo men won the first set, 25-18, thanks to the unparalleled spiking power of captain Wanyama.

Kipkenyo thought success will look in their direction, after Cheptiret’s Wanyama landed badly from a spike, hurting his ankle. However, with slight limping, the captain docked safely his ship with a 25-23 win in the second set.

After realizing the blocking machinery was not working well due to the captain’s injury, Cheptiret resorted to dodging and half-setting style, winning the third set 25-15.

Racecourse women won the title after beating pre-tourney favourites Kapseret/Simat 2-1. Simat, winning the first set 25-22 and Racecourse appealed to win the second and third 25-17, 25-11.

Turbo Sub-County won the men’s and women’s para volley titles, with Kapseret Sub-County also collecting both genders’ trophies. Soy men and Moiben women finished third in their respective categories.

To book their space at the finals, Kipkenyo men had beat a hapless Langas 3-0 of 25-18, 25-19 and 25-22.

Racecourse women had eliminated Kipkenyo 3-2 of 14-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-21 and 15-11 to advance to the finals. Kipkenyo women finished third after beating Ng’enyilel.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Governor Jonathan Bii said his administration has a strong purpose to empower the youth through harnessing sports to offer them an opportunity to earn from their talents.

My administration has a strong urge to empower the youth through assisting them to identify and earn from their talents.”

Sports can be the best employments for our youth and this is my government’s commitment,” he said, citing Mariga, the former defender of the 2010 UEFA Champions League and Italian league club, Inter Millan, who has earned from his career.

Bii, who was flanked by Members of the County Assembly led by Deputy Speaker, Leah Malel and the senior county officials, said there will be several other tournaments in the various disciplines in the coming years.