Sh3.7 billion raised to support national teams as President Samia donates Sh500 million

Dar es Salaam. A total of Sh3.7 billion has been raised to support national teams ahead of various international competitions.

Apart from President Samia Suluhu Hassan donating Sh500 million, various sports stakeholders also made contributions during a special fundraising gala held at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, where Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa was the guest of honour.

In her speech, President Hassan said sports do not only bring pride, but also sports means incurring expenses.

“While our teams are making remarkable progress, they sometimes face budgetary constraints that could hinder their success. My government is dedicated to stimulating sports development, and this contribution is a testament to that commitment," said President Hassan while appealing to Tanzanians to rally behind the national teams.

"Let's all contribute and create an enabling environment for our sportsmen and women to proudly represent Tanzania on the international stage," she said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Sports Development at the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Ally Mayay, said President Hassan’s contribution signifies the government's commitment to stimulate sports development and empower sportspeople to excel on the global stage.

According to Mayay, the exercise was successful, and the President thanked all who contributed. He said the task of developing sports in the country is not only for the government, but also for all Tanzanians.

“We thank all stakeholders who joined hands with President Hassan, PM Majaliwa, and other government officials and stakeholders for contributing to the sports development of the country.

“It is an open fact that we have attained the highest development in sports, whereby various teams are doing well internationally,” said Mayay.

Aside from facilitating the national football team (Taifa Stars), who are in Ivory Coast ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, the money will also be spent by other national teams that will represent the country internationally.

“There are sportsmen and women who will represent the country in the All African Games scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, in March this year, and the Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Paris, France, in July.

"The national amputee team, The Tembo Warriors, are also expected to compete in World Cup qualifiers. All these teams need support from the government and stakeholders,” he said.