The national Judo team has returned back in the country from Nairobi, Kenya, where they emerged overall winners of the East and Central African Tournament.
The team that camped at Moshi Police Academy (MPA) for about a month before going to Nairobi came back with three gold medals, one silver and four bronze medals and was given a warm reception at Kilimanjaro Regional headquarters on Friday evening.
Vice-Chairman of national Judo team who accompanied the players in the tournament, Mgowe Omari, said here that those who got gold medals are Geofrey Mtawa weighing 90 kilogrammes, Omari Dola (66kg) and Ahmedy Magogo (60kg).
Mohammed Karogombe (66kg) was the lone player who was awarded a silver medal from Tanzania.
In the bronze bracket are Abuu Mcheteko (60kg), Sophia Wilson (48kg) and Matilda Temba weighing 78 kilogrammes. Omari said each player was decorated with a petite but significant trophy and the team as a whole got a golden trophy.
Other local players who got certificates are Mohamed Salum, Bakari Ngapa, Othman Ali and Gervas Chirifudi. Countries that took part in the contest are the hosts Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Zanzibar.
Speaking at a function before awarding certificate to the 11 players, Kilimanjaro Regional Assistant Administrative Secretary (Education), Ruth Malisa commended them for a job well done and that the government will always lend a helping hand.
Malisa said emerging overall winners is a pride to the judo team that last year also came forward heads high and urged the players to carry on with uninterrupted exercise, as that is the only way to keep the nation shining.
She said in recognition of importance of sports, under directive of President Jakaya Kikwete, the ministries responsible for foreign affairs and sports sent three judo players and a coach to Turkey for training so as to prepare for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
She also gave a special tribute to Moshi Police Academy (MPA) Commandant, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Matanga Renatus Mbushi for his commitment in incurring most of the costs in relation to camp and travel from time to time.
In the just ended preparations and tournament, his institution provided more than three quarters of finances needed.
Involved in the national judo team were athletes from MPA, Tanzania Prisons (KMGM) and two civilians from Kisutu and Mwananyamala judo teams.
The players’ entourage was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Msolo Hamisi Msolo who is also an MPA Sports Officer.
By DEUS NGOWI, Tanzania Daily News