Volcanic eruption turns into postive for men's soccer coach
Ty Bennett
6/6/2010 12:07:44 PM
Under a sweltering sun, scorching a dusty patch of land, lays a dirt pasture called a soccer field in one of the poorest areas in Africa and perhaps on our planet. An undefined field with no standard markings has only rocks for goal posts and a homemade out of bounds marker. On the left side of the field is the sight of the enormous slum settlement in Kiberia, the western part of Nairobi. Kiberia is the largest slum in the whole world. On the other side of the field stands the premier neighborhood, 3,000 yards separates the two.
This is the field and location where Principia Men’s Soccer Coach; Vitalis Otieno ran a soccer session for several eager soccer stars that make up the under-18 soccer team. The session consisted of answering questions. He taught the techniques of soccer, the value of education, and the importance of staying in school. Vitalis encouraged the kids "to stay motivated, set goals and most importantly, do not get distracted by the material evidence of the current situation going on in Africa."
Last month, "Odi" was on his way to the airport when he was alerted that all flights going in and out of Amsterdam were being grounded due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. His flight that was to travel through Amsterdam wound end up leaving five days later. Odi, a native to Nairobi, Kenya headed to a local Christian Science Church. At church, he met Lucas, a coach who was an acquaintance of a former player of Odi’s. Odi ultimately ended up offering to educate Lucas’ team by hosting a one-day soccer session. When asked about the teaching experience, the humble coach stated, “It is a great opportunity to be able to give back to my roots."
Odi was in Africa to support Principia College's Admissions Department in interviewing prospective college students. For three weeks, Odi and Dean of Enrollment Management, Brian McCauley, travelled throughout Africa visiting different schools. They visited two Christian Science schools and the secondary school where Vitalis himself attended while growing up in Africa.
