Zanzibar to host International Kite Surfing Championship

ZANZIBAR: THE National Sports Council of Zanzibar, in collaboration with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, has organised an International Kite Surfing Championship set to take place on Saturday at Kiwengwa Beach in the North Unguja Region.

The competition will feature 39 participants from eight countries worldwide. First introduced in 2023, this will mark the third edition of the event.

The Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council of Zanzibar, Said Kassim Marine, has urged citizens and sports enthusiasts to attend in large numbers to support the championship.

“This event is not just about competition but also about promoting Zanzibar as a top destination for water sports tourism. We encourage residents, visitors and fans to witness this exciting sport and cheer for the competitors.

“We believe events like these will inspire young people to take an interest in water sports and possibly pursue them professionally.

The prizes are meant to reward excellence and encourage greater participation in the coming years. Our vision is to grow this event into one of the biggest kite surfing championships in Africa,” Marine said.

He also acknowledged the support of various stakeholders, including the government and private sector sponsors, in ensuring the championship’s success.

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With preparations in full swing, the organisers anticipate a thrilling event that will not only showcase high-level competition but also position Zanzibar as a hub for international sports tourism.

“An event of this magnitude attracts not only athletes but also tourists, media personnel and sports enthusiasts from different parts of the world. This provides a significant boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and transport services,” he explained.

“They contribute to Zanzibar’s global visibility and reinforce its reputation as a premier destination for adventure and water sports. Through continued efforts, we hope Zanzibar will become a preferred location for similar international tournaments, drawing even larger crowds in the future.”

The first-place winner will receive 7.5m/-, while the secondplace finisher will be awarded 2.5m/-.

The third-place contestant will receive 1.2m/-, with the fourth-place and fifth-place finishers earning 756,750/- and 504,500/-, respectively.