Untapped obstacle racing potential await Tanzania athletes

FOR the first time in history, Tanzania recently hosted the inaugural Official Level 1 Obstacle Course Race (OCR) Technical Officials (TO) training in Dar es Salaam.

This newly introduced sport has already sparked significant interest among participants and instructors alike. Nayibe Statia, Chairperson of the World Obstacle Technical Officiating Committee and participants in interview with the Daily News’, emphasised the promising future of Obstacle Sports Adventure Racing in Tanzania.

As also the Chairperson of the World Obstacle Officiating Committee and an International Sport Obstacles (FISO) instructor, Statia expressed her admiration for Tanzania’s potential following the successful training of its OCR Technical Officials.

“Tanzania is blessed with exceptional natural resources that can be harnessed to develop competitive athletes capable of shining on the international stage or even hosting international competitions,” Statia stated.

She noted that Obstacle Racing encompasses multiple events, making it well-suited for a country like Tanzania to compete in major competitions, including the Olympic Games.

“Adventure racing is a fantastic sport that not only builds endurance but is also an Olympic discipline where Tanzania can excel,” Statia said.

She pointed to the success of athletes from other African nations on the global stage and expressed her belief that Tanzania has similar potential to thrive and potentially win Olympic medals if the sport receives proper attention.

Statia highlighted the untapped potential within Tanzania that could establish the country as a powerhouse in adventure racing.

“I see a lot of potential. This is the second African country where I’ve conducted such training after Nigeria. While I usually conduct my teachings online, I am thrilled to have this opportunity in Tanzania,” she said, following a threeday training session that included both theoretical and practical components at Pande Game Reserve, Magwepande.

She also indicated that Tanzania could soon host African-level competitions. “There are already European, American, and Asian championships, so there’s no reason Tanzania couldn’t host an African Championship.

It would be incredible,” she remarked. “We’ve laid the groundwork here. This is just the beginning, and I am optimistic about the future growth of the sport. It would be remarkable to see world champions emerge from Tanzania.”

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Statia stressed the importance of government recognition and support for the sport’s development. “You have great resources for obstacle racing.

The key is to establish a team, gain governmental recognition and elevate your athletes onto the global stage,” she insisted. The training session attracted over 50 participants from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Denmark, organised by Scope Event Promotion of Dar es Salaam.

Participants hailed from various Tanzania mainland regions, including Morogoro, Mbeya, Dodoma, Songwe, Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar isle’s. Many attendees noted that the training they received would help them promote the sport further.

“The focus ahead is for us to return to our areas and introduce this sport, especially to the youth, so we can develop skilled players,” said Gozbert Boniface, a basketball coach who participated in the training.

He encouraged athletes to embrace this multifaceted sport, which combines elements of athletics and fosters endurance while providing significant physical exercise.

Another participant, Esther Joshua, shared her enthusiasm for identifying new talents through the training. “I love this sport and will seek partners to nurture new talents, including students from schools,” said Joshua, who participates in basketball and cycling. Issa Issa, a sports teacher in Dar es Salaam, emphasised the need for those trained to teach others, aiding in the rapid spread of the sport.

“This could become one of the country’s favorite sports due to its appealing settings, especially in natural reserves.

It’s a sport that also promotes tourism,” Issa remarked. Laura Bjorn, a Danish participant based in Zanzibar, expressed her intent to introduce the sport at the junior level in the Isles.

“There’s significant potential to grow this exciting sport in Zanzibar, opening new opportunities for individuals and the country,” she noted. Doroth Massawe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pande Game Reserve, one of the event’s sponsors, highlighted the sport’s potential to stimulate tourism growth, urging organisers to leverage it for promoting Tanzania as a tourist destination.

Organisers from Scope Event, including Abdallah Chapa, noted the sport’s growing popularity, especially in Europe, where various competitions are held.

He mentioned that one popular obstacle involves players climbing over structures and crossing water hazards, which adds to the sport’s challenge.

Chapa also acknowledged Tanzania’s pool of talented athletes who have the opportunity to learn the sport’s rules and procedures effectively.

He expressed gratitude to sponsors such as Rand Apartment, Gulamalis, Well Mark Legal, Kilimanjaro Fresh, The Green Sports Park, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and Adventure Races for facilitating the training. Participants engaged in various sports obstacles at Pande Game Reserve, including running, climbing, and jumping.

This training marks a pivotal moment for obstacle racing in Tanzania, laying the foundation for future growth and success in this exciting sport.