Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein on Friday opened a two-day athletic competition here, with a call on athletes to spare no efforts in competing to achieve outstanding results.
President Ali Mohamed Shein
Dr Shein also appealed to officials to be fair in their judgment so that the young talented athletes can be motivated to like sports.
At the opening ceremony held at the Amani Stadium, athletes from ten districts of Unguja and Pemba paraded past the rostrum with precise marching and loud slogans.
The parade was led by prisons brass band. President Shein delivered the opening speech, saying he hoped that a positive and optimistic sports culture for children and students would be developed.
Last Wednesday, Dr Shein presented sports equipment to clubs preparing to take part in the first ever athletics competition for youths from all districts in Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar National Sports Council, BMZ in collaboration with Zanzibar Athletics Association (ZAAA) has organised the athletics competition sponsored by the president.
“The equipment shows commitment by the government to promote sports in the island. This is an opportunity for talented young people to show their prowess,” said President Shein.
About 250 young athletes both boys and girls will compete in the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, and 1,500 metres races in the exhibition race to be held on Sunday.
When presenting the sports equipment, Dr Shein encouraged youths to like sports. “Sports are part of life. It is good for physical fitness, but also it should be developed so as it helps promote the country at the international competitions,” he said.
President Shein argues that sports in the Islands has remained dormant and has failed to attract interest from fans, compared to the past when many people were attracted in watching sports in Zanzibar.
“The government is committed to revive sports in schools and I have ordered the responsible ministry to review the school sports policy,” said Dr Shein. BMZ chairperson Sharif Khamis thanked the government for its commitment in reviving sports in the island.
BY ISSA YUSSUF, Tanzania Daily News