Dar Rotary Club host inaugural Pickle, Padel contest to support education

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and community impact, the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam recently hosted its inaugural Pickle and Padel Tournament, a fundraising event aimed at advancing education and sustainability in local schools.

Held in Dar es Salaam, the event brought together sports enthusiasts, corporate partners and community supporters, blending friendly competition with a powerful philanthropic cause.

The tournament was part of the Rotary Club’s Gift of Education initiative, which focuses on addressing critical challenges in local schools, such as providing desks, planting trees for environmental conservation and offering ICT training for primary school teachers.

The initiative has already made a significant impact, with over 3,708 desks donated and 7,516 trees planted in Dar es Salaam, helping to create a better learning environment for students. Rotary Club President Manisha Tanna emphasised the event’s importance, highlighting the power of sports to inspire change.

“This tournament underscores our commitment to improving learning environments across the country,” she said.

“It’s a day of fun, but the impact will be lasting. The funds raised will directly benefit our Gift of Education initiative, ensuring that schools receive muchneeded desks, trees are planted for sustainability and teachers gain essential digital skills.”

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Tanna also acknowledged the challenges that many students face, particularly the severe shortage of desks in schools.

She reiterated the Rotary Club’s dedication to creating conducive learning environments, driving meaningful change through education and sustainability.

“We look forward to organising more events that uplift communities and create lasting impact,” she added.

In line with the club’s sustainability goals, Tanna also revealed that for every desk donated, two trees will be planted, reinforcing the environmental mission of the initiative.

The event featured exciting matches across multiple categories, with the following winners crowned: Pickleball Winners included Miqdad Manji and Mahdi Manji (Under 12), Mohamed J and Ali Parpia (Under 19), Men’s Doubles winners was Kartik Kapoor and Hussein Dewji while Women’s Doubles winners was Mehtab Rajabli and Cleopatra Papa Also, Padel winners included Khalid Mahmoud and Sami Ghaddar (Men’s Doubles), Prashila Patel and Tantely Hasintsoa (Women’s Doubles).

The tournament was a thrilling success, combining sports, philanthropy and community spirit to support a brighter future for Tanzanian students.