Tanzania: Bagamoyo Historical Marathon Launched

THE government has pledged its full support to all stakeholders who are committed in the developing and promoting of various sports in the country.

This commitment was made by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Elisante Ole Gabriel in Bagamoyo, when launching the newly introduced Bagamoyo Historical Marathon.

The event is organised by a local firm known as 4Beli in collaboration with Athletic Tanzania (AT) and is scheduled to hold in the historical town in July 5 this year and will start with half marathon.

Ole Gabriel, who launched the marathon on behalf of Minister Fenella Mukangara, said the government is happy to see a number of private firms, especially locals engaging themselves in assisting the government in developing and promoting sports.

He also commended the work done by 4Beli for establishing 'Bagamoyo Historical marathon' which will be held annually, saying it will be another tool that will help in promoting tourism and also contributing in the economy of the historical town of Bagamoyo.

Ole Gabriel called on for companies and other stakeholder to assist the marathon organisers by sponsoring the event and encouraged people to participate in the race which is good for their physical and mental health.

Speaking during the occasion, the Directors of 4Beli, Deogratius Soka, said the aim of establishing the marathon basically was to assist in promoting sports especially athletics in the country and tourism in Bagamoyo town, which is among the seventh World heritage sites.

"Our major aim is to develop and promote athletics in our country by grooming new talents in the sports so our country may be able to retain its lost glory in the sport.

We want to groom our own Maria Motolas, who can represent our country in international events and excel," said Soka. Soka added that in close collaboration with AT, they are also aiming at ensuring the marathon grows to gain international status and part of the revenue acquired from the event will be utilised to promote, develop and enhance athletics in the country.

Bagamoyo historical marathon will have the major race which is the half marathon (21.1 km), that will involve professional athletes and nonprofessionals. There will also be10 km race which will involve people with 14 years and above and 5km family fun race.

On his side the event host the Regional Education Officer Yusuf Kipengele, who represented the Coast Regional Commissioner, said the race will help in promoting the region especially Bagamoyo district in various ways.

He assures the organisers maximum support from the regional authorities to ensure the race is conducted successfully.