Tanzania: Nyambui Cries Support for Athletics

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Majuto Omary

17 July 2011

The government has been asked to take keener interest in athletics development.The request was made by Athletics Tanzania (AT) secretary general, Suleiman Nyambui yesterday when airing his views on the national athletics team’s preparations for the 2011 All Africa Games.

Nyambui it was time the government extend all possible support to the athletes in their quest for glory.

He said it was disappointing that the government has never bothered to give the best-possible training and exposure to the athletes.

“Athletics has been neglected and I don’t see any effort worth emulating that seriously promotes our athletes,” he said.The AT secretary said there was need for the government and other relevant authorities to cultivate a culture of ensuring the athletes undergo adequate training ahead of international competitions.

He said there has to be a workable plan to turn around Tanzania’s athletics fortunes which he said, could become a reliable source of income for the country and also for poverty alleviation among the youth.

With only weeks before the Africa Games start in Maputo, Mozambique, AT is still struggling to raise funds for the team’s residential camp for the continent’s version of Olympic Games.

“The government should cultivate a culture of setting aside funds for the athletes’ residential training ahead of international competitions instead of only donating air tickets to them,” he insisted.

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