The Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, officially opened the Tanzania Military Sports Council (BAMMATA) competitions at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza region. The event brings together military teams and defense and security agencies from seven regions. The competitions will run for 10 days, from September 21 to October 5, under the theme 'Tanzania is ours, let's stick together to maintain peace'.
Speaking to participants, Second Vice President Abdulla emphasized that his mission is not only to strengthen sports competition but also to build solidarity and unity between agencies. He commended leaders for recognizing sports as a vital tool for building discipline, love, unity, and solidarity. Abdulla called on citizens to be patriots and protect peace to promote tourism and development.
Abdulla stressed the importance of exercise for mental and physical health, citing the rise of non-communicable diseases caused by lifestyle factors. He urged citizens to prioritize exercise and good nutrition to achieve the 2050 development vision. The Second Vice President also highlighted that the competition provides an opportunity for athletes to improve their standards and prepare for local and foreign competitions.
The Minister for Defence and the Nation Building Force, Dr. Rhimo Nyansaho, noted that the competitions demonstrate the government's emphasis on sports for health, discipline, unity, solidarity, and love. He expressed expectations for a disciplined and respectful competition. The Chief of Defence and Security Forces (CDF), Jacob Mkunda, emphasized that sports are essential for soldiers to strengthen defense and prepare for challenges.
CDF Mkunda highlighted the army's plans to develop talents by improving infrastructure and talent recognition systems. He stated that sports are not just entertainment but also a vital part of a soldier's job. The Chairman of the Tanzania Armed Forces Sports Council (BAMMATA), Major General Said Hamis Said, reported that athletes will compete in various sports, including soccer, handball, basketball, and athletics.
The competitions feature seven zones: Fortress, Nation Building Force (JKT), Prisons, Immigration, Police, Fire and Rescue, and the Special Forces of the Zanzibar Insurgent Government (SMZ). The events will take place at various stadiums, including CCM Kirumba, Mirongo, and Butimba Teachers College. The Mwanza Regional Commissioner, CP Salum Hamduni, highlighted the benefits of the competition, including entertainment, solidarity, and sports tourism.
CP Hamduni requested that the committee consider bringing the games back to Mwanza region in 2027, citing the positive impact on the local economy. The event aims to promote unity, friendship, and brotherhood among soldiers and the community. Key stakeholders, including the Minister for Defence and the CDF, have emphasized the significance of the competitions for national development and peace.
Key points
- The competitions will run for 10 days, featuring teams from seven regions.
- Second Vice President Abdulla emphasized the importance of exercise and good nutrition for national development.
- The event aims to promote unity, solidarity, and peace among soldiers and the community.
