National Athletics Championships start today in Mwanza
Runners compete in a past event. Various athletes from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar are today expected to start searching for medals in the National Athletics Championships in Mwanza. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Almost all the regions have already arrived in Mwanza for a two-day competition, which will conclude tomorrow.
Mwanza. Regions have declared to fare well in the national athletics championships, which are set to start today in Mwanza.
Almost all the regions have already arrived in Mwanza for a two-day competition, which will conclude tomorrow.
Speaking on different occasions, leaders from various regions expressed their readiness to win this season's event.
Coast Region coach Elias Hotay stated that their team, consisting of 10 athletes and two officials, is prepared to win and continue their record of strong performances.
He acknowledged to face a strong opposition from Zanzibar, as well as from Arusha and their neighbours, Dar es Salaam.
"We will compete in discus throw, high jump, long jump, and the races of 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m," he said.
Hotay mentioned some of the athletes representing Coast Region, including Benedictor Mathias, Baraka Paul, Enos Mushi, Sullei Kombo, Siwema Julius, Gaudencia Maneno, and Shija Bernard.
Dar es Salaam Athletics Association Secretary Samwel Mwera said they are ready to compete in the event with 10 athletes in short and middle-distance races.
Mwera, a former African star in the 800 meters race, said their goal is to return as champions.
"Every region is prepared to do its best. We understand the difficulty of the national competition, so we are ready for the challenge," Mwera said.
Arusha Athletics Association Chairman Gerald Babu bragged that no one can dethrone them from the championship map.
He said that if the Urban West Region of Zanzibar feature in the championship, they would pose a challenge, but not preventing Arusha from maintaining their championship record.
"Coast Region might give us a tough time in short races, but in the remaining events, Arusha are set to emerge the champions," he said.
Other regions expected to compete in the championships include hosts Mwanza, Mara, Morogoro, Manyara, and Zanzibar’s regions, which have also excelled in throws and short races.
Speaking about the championships, Acting Secretary General of Tanzania Athletics (AT) Jackson Ndaweka said preparations are complete, and the event will be officially opened today, led by various regional leaders, accompanied by RT President Silas Isangi.
He added that almost all the regions from across the country have already arrived in Mwanza, ready for the competition, which will feature athletes in jumps, throws, and track races.
