The second edition of the national swimming championship for athletes with disabilities was held on Saturday, October 12, at the Shabaan Robert School swimming pool in Upanga, Dar es Salaam.
The competition brought together swimmers with various physical challenges, grouped by age to ensure fair competition and promote talent development. The guest of honor, Tuma Dandi, Chairperson of the National Paralympic Committee, praised the athletes’ participation, emphasizing the power of sports to foster unity and inclusion.
“Living with a disability is not easy, and these individuals face many challenges. We are grateful to see them actively participating, and we appreciate the support from stakeholders who understand the importance of giving them a platform to shine. Sports help us promote love and social inclusion,” Dandi said.
She expressed her gratitude to sponsors for their contribution to the event, which also serves as a step toward forming a national swimming team to compete in the 2028 Paralympic Games in the United States.
Nicholas Mihayo, representing the National Sports Council, applauded the swimming federation’s efforts and urged other sports bodies to provide similar opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
“Our communities have many people with special needs who deserve to participate in sports. I encourage other associations to follow the example of the swimming federation,” Mihayo said.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure, announcing plans to build a modern swimming pool at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to meet international standards.
“The government is dedicated to supporting sports associations and will ensure they have the necessary facilities, including a state-of-the-art swimming pool at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium,” Mihayo remarked.
The event received significant support from sponsors, including Hospitali ya Tiba. Executive Director Arun Sharma said the hospital’s involvement was driven by the desire to assist athletes with disabilities, recognizing their unique needs.
“These individuals need more support than others, and this was a chance for us to engage with the community meaningfully. Supporting these athletes aligns with our mission to serve society,” Sharma explained.
Blue Dot Communications Officer Innocent Jonas added that their sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility.
“Our company is committed to giving back to the community, and we believe supporting these athletes will encourage them to pursue their talents in sports,” Jonas said.
Other sponsors included Pepsi, Talliss Club, Pigec, Flame, and others, all contributing to the event's success. The championship ended on a high note, with participants excited about future competitions and opportunities for greater representation on national and global stages.