Tendering begins for nationwide sports schools’ project
DODOMA: THE government has launched the tendering process for construction of 56 sports schools across the country as part of a strategy to strengthen talent development and expand sports education nationwide.
Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, told the National Assembly yesterday that each region is expected to have at least two sports schools upon completion of the project.
He said this while responding to a basic question from Moses Kaegele (Nkasi South-CCM), who sought to know the government’s plans to establish sports schools in every constituency, including Nkasi South, to help identify and develop football talent.
Mr Mwinjuma said the programme has already entered the implementation phase, with seven sports schools planned for Singida, Tanga, Ruvuma, Coast, Dodoma, Kagera and Mtwara regions.
“In implementing this programme, the government has already announced tenders for the construction of the seven sports schools in the selected regions in order to secure contractors for the projects,” he said.
He said the schools are expected to help identify and nurture students’ talents in various sporting disciplines while enabling them to continue with formal education.
According to the deputy minister, regions such as Rukwa will benefit in the next phases of implementation, with plans underway to establish two sports schools in the region to support development of football and other sporting talents.
Responding to a supplementary question on the availability of qualified sports teachers and coaches once the schools are completed, Mr Mwinjuma said the government is continuing to invest in training professionals for the sector.
He said Malya College of Sports Development continues to offer certificate and diploma programmes in various sports disciplines, while the University of Dar es Salaam is training teachers and sports experts at degree and master’s degree levels.
“These professionals will be deployed to the 56 sports schools once construction is completed to ensure effective talent development and sports education,” he said.
Mr Mwinjuma said the move is expected to strengthen grassroots sports development and create a stronger pipeline of professional athletes for the country in future.
