Govt prioritises sports infrastructure accessibility for disabled persons

DODOMA: THE government has affirmed its commitment to making sports facilities inclusive by ensuring their construction and renovation meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma emphasised this in Parliament yesterday while responding to a question from MP Mwatatu Mbarak Khamis.

The MP sought clarification on measures to maintain and enhance sports venues for people with disabilities.

“The government is actively monitoring the development and refurbishment of sports facilities to ensure they meet accessibility standards,” Mwinjuma stated.

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He urged all stakeholders, including organisations managing sports infrastructure, to designate spaces that enable full participation of persons with disabilities in sporting events.

Notable examples of inclusive sports facilities include the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, which features accessibility enhancements and the new Samia Suluhu Stadium under construction in Arusha.

“These facilities are designed to ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind during major sporting events,” he added.

Additionally, the Ministry continues to provide specialised sports equipment for disabled athletes, particularly at the national team level, enabling them to fully utilise available venues.

This initiative aligns with global efforts to promote equal opportunities in sports and marks a significant step toward inclusivity in Tanzania’s sports infrastructure.