Ron Laszewski and Julius Ming'ala
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The gift is intended to help grow the sport of rugby in a country with great potential and great need.
The boots will help give young players from humble backgrounds the opportunity to learn and play rugby.
Laszewski, who earned USA rugby honors as both a player and coach, feels it’s a small way of giving back to the game: “Rugby gives us all so much. It's important to give back, be it locally or on the other side of the globe,” he says.
“Kenya is a fledgling rugby country with a great spirit for the game and they need help. I’m grateful for this opportunity to help.”
Most of the nearly 40,000 registered Kenyan players are in the youth and developmental levels, with about 150 high school programs.
Rugby has also been officially recognized at the primary school level (grade school and junior high). The growth potential is enormous, as is the need for equipment.
Key to the disbursement of the boots will be Kenya Harlequin's Gordon Anampiu (KRFU board member, past Kenya coach and director of sevens rugby development), Sarallyne Otieno (KRFU developmental committee) and Julius Ming'ala.
Ming'ala is thankful for the timing of the donation: "Rugby in Kenya is set to grow in great leaps and bounds and Mr Laszewski's assistance comes at a critical time.
“We are greatly appreciative of this donation and look forward to putting it to good use in the development of rugby in our country."
