THIS year’s edition of the national para swimming talent identification championships get underway today at the Shaaban Robert Secondary School swimming pool in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania Para Swimming Association (TPSA) secretary general and head of the competition’s organizing committee, Ramadhan Namkomveka (pictured), said more than forty para swimmers have confirmed their participation in the championships.

This is the third time TPSA is hosting the national event, whose main objective is to identify new para swimming talent across the country.

“All is set for the National Para Swimming Championships which take place tomorrow (today) at Shaaban Robert Secondary School. We are happy with the number of competitors and expect the event to be thrilling,” Namkomveka said.

He added that the championships will provide TPSA with a valuable opportunity to discover new athletes who can be developed for the national team.

Namkomveka earlier explained that the competition’s mission and vision focus on identifying new talent among swimmers with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments — including cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome.

“Furthermore, these games aim to develop skills, encourage greater participation, and raise awareness about the importance of sports for people with disabilities in the country,” he said.

The talent identification event will also serve to select para swimmers who will form the national team to compete in international events.

“Our primary goal is to build a strong national team that will represent Tanzania at international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games,” Namkomveka said.

He further explained that for a para swimmer to compete internationally, they must be certified by the World Para Swimming Association (WPSA). As of last year, Tanzania had only one certified para swimmer, Gerald Sokolo.

Classification is mandatory for all para swimmers and consists of 14 categories: classes 1–10 are for athletes with physical disabilities, 11–13 for those who are blind or visually impaired, and class 14 for swimmers with intellectual disabilities.

Namkomveka assured that TPSA is making every effort to ensure more Tanzanian para swimmers receive WPSA certification in the near future.