CUEA Red Cross Brings University Volunteers Together Through Sports and Service
By Dennis Kimutai, CUEA Red Cross Chapter
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Red Cross Chapter brought together various academic institutions, clubs and institutional Red Cross volunteers for a day of sport, networking and humanitarian engagement during the University Red Cross Sports Day held on September 26, 2026.
Held at the CUEA Sports Grounds under the theme: “Uniting University Volunteers through Sports, Service and Humanity,” the event provided a platform for participants from different institutions to interact, exchange experiences, build friendships and promote the values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including humanity, unity, cooperation and volunteerism.
The participating institutions and clubs included CUEA, Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA), Kenyatta University, Mount Kenya University–Parklands, Railway Training Institute, Nairobi National Polytechnic, Multimedia University of Kenya, Cooperative University of Kenya, TOPMAX, Msalaba Stars, AMREF International University, Alliance Française and Kabete National Polytechnic.
Sport as a Platform for Engagement
Participants competed in a range of sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, netball, handball, tennis, badminton and chess.
Beyond competition, the games created opportunities for participants to demonstrate teamwork, discipline and sporting talent while interacting with peers from other institutions. The event also provided an informal platform for volunteers to share experiences in community service, leadership and humanitarian activities.
CUEA Red Cross members featured prominently in the competitions, with strong performances in Ladies' Football, Ladies' Netball and Chess. The participation offered students an opportunity to showcase their abilities while combining academics with sports, leadership, volunteerism and humanitarian service.
The presence of Patrons from several participating institutions further underscored the importance of institutional support for student engagement, sports and volunteerism.
Strengthening Red Cross Collaboration
The Sports Day strengthened relationships among university Red Cross chapters while creating opportunities for networking and future collaboration. It also promoted physical activity, teamwork, leadership and humanitarian service among the participating students.
The organisers acknowledged the support of the Nairobi County Red Cross Youth Board in coordinating fixtures, logistics and preparations for the event. CUEA Red Cross also expressed appreciation to the University, CUEA Sports Department, Chapter Patron, participating students, volunteers, officials and supporters for contributing to the successful hosting of the event. The event demonstrated the potential of sport to bring together students from diverse institutional backgrounds while strengthening volunteerism, friendship and humanitarian engagement.