Karatekas in Kakamega have appealed to the government and willing sponsors to support the development of the sport at the grassroots.The Karatekas said that the sport has attracted many players, majority being children and the youth.Speaking during a joint training session at the Kakamega social hall, the Secretary General of Kakamega Karate Association Christopher Ouma said they lacked facilities to conduct training, forcing them to use public spaces which are not equipped hence not conducive for trainingOuma also appealed to the government and willing sponsors to provide equipment for the club that include tatami (floor mats) and attires for players.'The challenges we have in local clubs is that we don't have facilities and the equipment,' he noted, adding, 'we appeal to the government and sponsors to support us in these areas'.He said some techniques where players have to be in contact with the floor could not be done due to the lack of a suitable mat (tatami) for the game.Ouma noted that the officials of Kakamega Karate Association were still scouting for youths from across the county in preparation for a Karate youth camp slated for next year.The chairman of Kakamega Karate Club Wilson Mutende said the club would utilise the long holidays to engage youths and children in the sport.He urged the Kakamega County Government to also include Karate as a sport in the Governors' cup to enable Karatekas to compete and showcase the sport to the public.He said since they formed the junior Karate club, many children have shown interest and were regularly turning up to train, noting that the governor's cup tournament would provide an opportunity for the juniors to showcase their unique talents.Source: Kenya News Agency