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By Lookman Miraji
The Africa Aquatics Federation, in collaboration with the National Swimming Federation, is set to host an open water swimming competition in the country.
This competition is being held for the first time in the country’s history, with the aim of promoting and developing the sport of swimming across all African nations.
Additionally, the event will be accompanied by training sessions for both coaches and swimmers.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Mr. Thauriya Diria mentioned that the competition was initiated after discussions between the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, and the President of the World Aquatics Federation, Hussain Al-Musallam. One of the agreements was to host an open water swimming competition in Zanzibar due to the natural ocean surrounding the islands and the limited number of swimming pools available.
“When President Hussain of the World Aquatics Federation met with Zanzibar’s President, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, he promised to hold open water swimming competitions in Zanzibar, as there are natural bodies of water and few swimming pools. This is part of a plan to ensure more people swim and to help Zanzibar produce skilled swimmers who can compete in open water.”
The competition comes following directives from the World Aquatics Federation to the African Aquatics Federation.
This initiative is seen as a continuation of efforts by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to create opportunities through sports.
The competition is expected to attract swimmers from all African countries, with participants competing in the open waters of Zanzibar.
The open water swimming competition is scheduled to take place on September 21st this year at the Madinat Al Bahr beach area in Mbweni, Zanzibar