Nairobi Fides)- A Catholic sports centre in a typical symbol of Africa, a Nairobi slum. St John's Sports Society (SSS) was opened two years ago by Italian missionary Father Daniele Moschetti parish priest at St John’s Catholic church in the Korogocho slum district of Nairobi, capital of Kenya. St John's Sports Society is a non profit and non political organisation which aims to help poor youngsters develop their talents through sport.
According to CISA Catholic news agency in Nairobi, “Korogocho is home to tremendous youth sporting talents which previously had little or no means of development”. Before the centre was built the parish sports ground was the only place where youngsters could practice a sport. Gradually the parish increased the number of sports adding new structures which needed to be managed by a separate organisation. And so the St John's Sports Society was formed. Results have been abundant and encouraging. St John’s boxing and net ball teams are regular winners at local and regional competitions.
St John’s is different from other sports societies in that it integrates sports training with human and spiritual formation and service to the community. Although St John's Sports Society was started by the Catholic parish it is open to all the local youngsters and today boys and girls Catholics and non can choose from 9 different courses: athletics, net ball, volley ball, basket ball, football, boxing, body building, Karate and Tae Kwon Do. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/1/2005 righe 30 parole 295)