VICE President, Dr Philip Mpango, has reiterated the government's commitment to transforming the sports sector in Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, both governments are focused on building modern sports infrastructure and training sports professionals to identify talents and elevate the standards of sports across Zanzibar and the country at large.

Dr Mpango made these remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Priz Sports Grounds in Kilimani, Unguja, Zanzibar yesterday, as part of the 61st Anniversary of the Union celebrations.

He emphasized that the foundation stone for the sports fields marks a continuation of investment in the sports sector, which is one of the rapidly growing strategic sectors expected to inspire and attract various sports competitions at national, regional, and international levels.

The Vice President further stated that the government, through relevant ministries, will continue to encourage community participation in various sports, including football, netball, athletics, chess, draughts, card games, wrestling, traditional bull fighting, bicycle racing, and canoe races. 

He highlighted the government's determination to provide opportunities for children, youth, students, women, and people with disabilities to engage in sports in safe and friendly environments.

Additionally, Dr Mpango mentioned that the ongoing construction of sports fields has taken into account the challenges faced by specific groups in participating in sports, such as discrimination, the long distances to sports facilities, and inadequate infrastructure for players with special needs and women.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of celebrating the 61st Anniversary of the Union alongside environmental conservation activities, such as tree planting around sports fields, recreational areas, and promoting cleanliness, including the use of clean cooking energy.

Furthermore, Dr Mpango emphasized that strengthening the sports sector in the country requires efforts to attract international teams to visit Tanzania for sports tours and to host more international competitions. 

He said the government aims to collaborate with stakeholders to implement various programs to achieve set goals.

The Vice President urged private sector stakeholders to support the growth of the sports sector by creating green spaces for sports and recreation, establishing and managing sports clubs and schools, and involving people with special needs in sports activities.

In response, Zanzibar's Minister for Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports, Hon. Tabia Maulid Mwita, expressed that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has exceeded the targets set in the 2020 Election Manifesto by investing significantly in sports infrastructure development across both Unguja and Pemba.

She added that these sports facilities provide opportunities for youth to gain employment while steering clear of harmful behaviours such as drug abuse.