The government is set to establish a state-of-the-art sports academy at Malya College in Mwanza, designed to nurture various athletic talents.
A key feature of this initiative is the construction of a 50-meter swimming pool.
This pool will cater to both able-bodied athletes and those with disabilities, offering a platform for local and international competitions.
Speaking at the inaugural swimming competition for athletes with disabilities, Dr. Jonas Tiboroha, representing the Minister of Information, Culture, and Sports, delivered the Minister’s message.
Dr. Tiboroha highlighted that the academy will provide a vital space for training and hosting competitions, ensuring that athletes can develop their skills and compete at various levels.
He further emphasized that the academy’s mission should go beyond simply offering training opportunities. It should also focus on identifying top-performing athletes who can represent Tanzania at international events.
“We should not just provide a space for training and competition; we must also identify the best performers and offer them high-performance training, giving them the chance to represent our country on the global stage,” Dr. Tiboroha stated.
He urged the leadership of the Tanzania Paralympic Swimming Association (TPSA) to engage the community and raise awareness about the importance of providing children with disabilities the chance to participate in sports, while challenging the outdated practice of hiding these children away.
Dr. Tiboroha called on stakeholders from all sectors to join efforts in supporting the development of sports for athletes with disabilities in Tanzania.
Charles Rays, Director of Special Olympics Tanzania, also spoke, emphasizing that sports are a tool for building friendship and inclusion.
He pointed out that many communities still hide children with disabilities and stressed the importance of changing this mindset by offering them opportunities to thrive.