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The Premier was in the opinion that the time has come for reviewing the current sports policy with an objective of developing sports and entertainment.
The Premier who met sports officials from various sports associations last week, said in doing so, the government will engage all sports stakeholders with a view of adding value to the new policy, which will devise alternative way forward to develop sports at all levels
“There is an urgent need to review our sport policy as sports is dynamic, changing everywhere. Very soon we will start the process of reviewing our sports policy and we need input from you stakeholders”, he said.
The government directive has been warmly welcomed by sports stakeholders who said it’s high time the policy has to be reviewed.
Sports academician and administrator Noel Kiunsi said the current policy is not very bad but the only problem is its implementation.
“Some of the points in the current sports policy are very good only that they are not implemented, look somewhere it says it’s the duty of the government to take care of the all national teams which want to compete at local or international events. But which national team has received any financial support from the government? All national teams struggle financially when the government which is mandated to support is there”, he said.
Kiunsi also said in the new policy after being reviewed, it must be emphasized that all officials in national sports associations are on the government payroll, hoping this will bring efficiency and dedication.
“Of course some people during the meeting with the Prime Minister asked the government to provide them with offices, but what the office will do when all leaders at national sports associations besides Tanzania Football Association (TFF) work on voluntary basis?”
“The government must start paying those people, if they are paid they can work very well but currently, how can a person work hard at a sports association which he knows he will get nothing at the end of the month”, he said.
What Kiunsi suggested on national sports leaders holding offices to be paid was also recently raised by Cycling Association (CHABATA) Chairman Godfrey Muhagama. Muhagama said many people are not dedicating their time to national sports associations as there is no motivation which they get from the government at the end of the month.
The CHABATA chairman also said the government must waive tax to companies which support sports in the country saying the move can motivate many companies to invest and sponsor sporting activities.
Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) secretary general Ramadhan Namkomveka said the directive by the government is good as it will make local sports move in tandem with international sports.
He said in other countries sports is a big business because their policies demand so.
“The government has asked for input from all sports stakeholders and as the association we will meet this week to agree on what will be our input in the coming sports policy, but I can say I am very happy with a suggestion that district executive officers be district sports chairman, I think by that sports will develop in the country”, he said.
Another sport fan Robert Masawe said sport has played a significant role in the lives of the people in the country but the athletes themselves are still poor as the country sports policy regard sport on amateur status.
He said there is a need to transform sports a business in the country.
“The exploits of the likes of Filbert Bayi , Suleiman Nyambui and
others who excelled in the past at international platform, it’s no doubt the country has potential in sports, but the major setback is that sports is not recognised as a fully fledged business here. I hope in the new policy this might change”, he said.
He also stated that grassroots development of athletes cannot be effectively be carried out without the provision of basic equipment and facilities. He pleaded with those who will contribute to the coming sports policy to make sure that the issue of equipment and facilities are included.
“We can have a very good sports policy but if we can not include facilities and equipment as major ingredients in sports development, then we will miss everything. You know infrastructure is incentive or motivation especially to young athletes. If you can go to Jakaya Kikwete Sports Center at Kidongo Chekundu, you will find many people there, most of them are attracted by the facilities” he concluded.
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