BMT awards revisit Tanzanian Independence heroine

DAR ES SALAAM: THE 2024 best sportsmen and women awards saw a number of big surprizes, but the decoration of Theresia Dismas, the first Tanzanian woman to win a silver medal during the Inaugural All Africa Games in Congo-Brazzaville in 1965 stood above the rest of the surprises.

Theresia name heralded the list of athletes who brightened the night gala, organized by the National Sports Council of Tanzania (NSC)and held at the SuperDome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam.

It’s been 60 years since Theresia won Tanzania its first silver medal. Tanzania was just one year old then, taking into consideration that it came out officially on 26 April 1964, after Tanganyika was united with Zanzibar to form Tanzania.

Theresia was decorated as life lifetime athletics legend.

But decorating the defending champions Young Africans as the club of the year, Aisha Masaka as the best sportswoman and the National U19 Cricket team’s skipper, Laksh Bakrania, who won the people’s choice as the youngest athlete, was anticipated as their contribution.

Also awarded were Twiga Stars as the best women’s team and boxer Fadhil Majiha as the male sportsman.

To ensure sports continue to progress, the Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in the sports sector due to its significant role in creating jobs, promoting health, fostering social unity, driving development, and providing entertainment to the public.

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This statement was made by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at an award ceremony honouring Tanzanian athletes who have excelled in international competitions.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Majaliwa emphasized that sports are not merely a form of entertainment but a powerful tool for building communities both economically and socially. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for nurturing talent, improving sports infrastructure, and encouraging youth participation in various sports disciplines.

The awards aimed to recognize and celebrate Tanzanians who have represented the country in global sports competitions and brought pride and honor to the nation through their talents.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Majaliwa received a Special Award on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the development of the sports sector in Tanzania. Additionally, Majaliwa himself was honored with an award acknowledging his role in overseeing and supporting the growth of sports in the country.

The event was attended by various athletes, government officials, sports stakeholders, and members of the public, all gathered to witness and celebrate this important occasion recognizing the achievements in the sports sector.