Minister: Winners of NBC Dodoma Marathon to represent Tanzania globally

DAR ES SALAAM: The government intends to use the NBC Dodoma Marathon as a platform to identify and mark talented athletes, who will represent the country in international competitions, including the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

Making the announcement during a press conference held at the headquarters of NBC Bank in Dar es Salaam, today, Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports Dr. Damas Ndumbaro also confirmed his participation at the 42 KM race.

Accompanied by the bank’s Managing Director, Theobald Sabi, the minister added that the government’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the NBC Dodoma Marathon as a breeding ground for talents poised to represent Tanzania on the world’s most prestigious athletic stages, including the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

“We currently face a shortage of athletes with the necessary qualifications to participate in international competitions,” Dr. Ndumbaro candidly acknowledged.

He added: “The NBC Dodoma Marathon presents a unique opportunity to identify and nurture the next generation of Tanzanian sporting heroes, who will carry our nation’s flag with pride and distinction.”

The minister’s words carry a sense of urgency, reflecting the government’s recognition of the need to bolster Tanzania’s presence on the global athletic landscape.

With the nation’s participation in the Olympics and other major events often hampered by a lack of well-prepared athletes, the NBC Dodoma Marathon has been earmarked as a strategic platform to address this critical gap.

“After the event, we will be able to identify and provide the talented individuals with further training, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to compete on the world stage,” Dr. Ndumbaro explained. “Our goal is to have more Tanzanian athletes representing us in future Commonwealth and Olympic Games, as well as other international competitions.”

The NBC Dodoma Marathon, which is expected to take place on July 28 at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma led by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, has been designed with a dual purpose – not only to identify future champions, but also to raise funds for crucial social causes.

The event will support the fight against cervical cancer and provide educational scholarships for midwives, with the aim of improving maternal health across the country.

ALSO READ: NBC commits to promote financial inclusion

Underlining the government’s partnership with the private sector, Dr. Ndumbaro commended NBC Bank for its unwavering commitment to uplifting the sports sector in Tanzania.

The bank’s extensive involvement includes sponsoring the NBC Premier League, NBC Championship, and NBC Youth League, collectively representing an investment of 32.6b/-

The bank’s support, however, extends beyond the realm of football. It also includes the National Arts Development Fund, which empowers the artistic community, and the National Team’s Motivation Committee, which has already collected 2 billion TZS to support the nation’s sporting endeavors.

Earlier in the meeting, Sabi stated that the bank’s efforts in promoting the sports sector in the country are largely driven by the bank’s belief that arts and sports are pillars of employment and national unity.

“NBC Bank’s belief that arts and sports are pillars of employment and national unity has been a driving force behind their efforts,” he said  while adding : “Through our sponsorships in the football leagues we have not only nurtured talent, but also created over 7,000 direct jobs, with millions more in the economic chain.”

According to the MD, through the NBC Dodoma Marathon, in collaboration with various stakeholders, the bank aims to collect funds to support the government’s efforts in improving the health of women and children by combating cervical cancer and providing scholarships for midwives.