Dozens of young pre-cadet judokas in Kenya have joined hands to plant trees as they champion environment conservation, thanks to the Kenya Judo Federation’s (KJF) new Green Judo Initiative led by federation president Shadrack Maluki.

The tree planting exercise, held at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County, brought together children aged 12-13 to blend sport with sustainability. Through the initiative, the federation aims to give young judokas practical skills and knowledge to protect the environment while nurturing values like respect, unity and perseverance.

“Our mission in the initiative is to give our children participating in Judo a green future through the sport,” said Maluki, who also serves as the first Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Noc-K).

He emphasised that the vision behind Green Judo is to create a world where youth and adults work side by side as catalysts for positive change.

During the event Maluki praised referees Elijah Lawrence, Esther Ikiugu, Peter Oyugi and Alice Lokalei for excelling in their Continental Referee Exams, which he described as vital for boosting Kenya’s Olympic prospects.

He also commended coach Yusuke for his commitment, promising that the federation would stay the course until the Olympic dream is realised.

“The vision of Green-Judo Initiative is to have a world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change, while the mission is to give our children a green future through sports,” Maluki added.

The Green Judo Initiative is part of broader efforts to engage young athletes in meaningful community activities that shape them into future leaders, using judo not only as a sport but as a pathway to personal growth and social impact.