THE government intends to build strong national teams that will represent the country in international competitions, so a strategy is being prepared for players to attend army training.
This was said by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports Mohamed Mchengerwa while closing the first edition of NBC Lugalo Patron Trophy golf tournament at the Tanzania People’s Defense Forces (TPDF) Lugalo course in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.
The 18-hole event saw hosts William Mtweve win the coveted trophy after netting an impressive 66 strokes to beat over 120 opponents from across the country. It is his first major trophy this season .
The event was aimed to honor the retired Chief of Defense Forces; General Venance Mabeyo for his remarkable contribution in developing golf and as well welcome the new Club Patron, General Jacob Mkunda.
Mchengerwa, who was the chief guest, said that discussions are going on with the Army officials to see how the players of the national teams can be strong.
“We want the team to bring honour to the nation, we have a mission to send best team in every sport discipline, if we put together strategies, we will reach our desired goals,” he said.
Adding, the Minister said President Samia Suluhu has already shown commitment, competence, tenacity and stability in protecting peace in the country and promoting sports which carry a great responsibility in uniting Tanzanians.
He said Tanzanians have now gained a great awareness in sports due to the great efforts made by the President Samia.
“This ministry, since it was created, has carried the great responsibility of uniting Tanzanians through culture, arts and sports for the well-being of the nation.
He congratulated General Mkunda,saying he has no doubt that his experience in raising and developing sports in the Army will help much to make the government achieve its plan.
The Minister said that the Army is a source of success in sports as it has been producing strong sportsmen and women and the evidence is the medals of the recently concluded Commonwealth Games.
He also congratulated the outgoing CDF Mabeyo for the good and great work he did saying the government will always remember him.
Mchengerwa said he is proud of the government institutions like TPDF and clubs like Lugalo under its Chairman, Michael Luwongo for giving priority to sports and urged others to follow suit.
He congratulated the founder of Lugalo golf club General (rtd) George Waitara for establishing the club and all the Generals who followed for continuing his good work.
He also hailed the main sponsors, NBC and others for their contribution in giving back to the community through sports.
Addressing, Mkunda thanked God and also the President for promoting him and appointing him to that great position in the Army.
He promised to continue the work started by Waitara and developed by Mabeyo and he will cooperate well with all stakeholders.
He said he will strengthen all sports in the army and complete the Dodoma Sports Center project which will have a golf course also launched by Mabeyo.
The representative of the main sponsor NBC Bank Elibariki Masuke complimented President Samia for developing sports and the Minister for helping sports to be given priority in the country, promising to continue supporting these efforts.
