The Tanzania Wheelchair Basketball Association (TWBA) has announced plans to launch a national championship involving teams from across the country’s regions.
Speaking to The Respondent Online at the conclusion of a recent training session, TWBA Chairperson, Engineer John Bandiye, said preparations are already underway.
The initial phase involves training key personnel including coaches and referees who will play a crucial role in promoting and expanding the sport throughout Tanzania.
“Our goal is to spread the game by identifying and nurturing local talent, eventually forming competitive regional teams that will participate in the national tournament,” said Bandiye.
“We’ve started by equipping professionals who will serve as ambassadors for the sport in their respective areas. Once we establish at least six strong regional teams, we’ll be ready to organize the championship.”he added
Bandiye also revealed that several regions on mainland Tanzania and in Zanzibar have already received specialized sports equipment, such as custom wheelchairs.
More regions are expected to benefit from this initiative, thanks to support from the Red Cross and the Tanzania Paralympic Committee (TPC).
Looking ahead, TWBA plans to ensure that each region establishes a local association with registered members, along with a continued rollout of training programs at different levels across the country.
During the training, participants were urged to apply their new knowledge in real-world settings to promote the sport within their communities and workplaces.
Mariana Mponji, one of the participants, shared that the training significantly enhanced her skills and deepened her understanding of the game, enabling her to work more professionally.
She encouraged more women to seize such opportunities, emphasizing the importance of gender equity in sports development.