On 09th December the United Republic of Tanzania celebrates “Independence Day” of Tanganyika which was a day when Tanzania was declared free from the hands of British colonial system through the efforts of Mwl.Nyerere in collaboration with other members of political party which was known as TANU. The Independence Day was on 09th December 1961.
In celebrating 55 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE of Tanganyika now known as Tanzania mainland- YPM organized Lushoto Half Marathon 21km race. The race started at Saba Saba grounds to Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University grounds (SEKOMU) and return through the same route. The guest of honor was expected to be Lushoto district commissioner hon. January Sigareti Lukagingira who was represented by the District Cultural and Sports Officer Mr. Almas.
Young people from different areas around Lushoto district participated in this competition. Approximately more than thirty five athletes participated in this event. The first athlete spent almost 1:04 hrs the second 1:04.57hrs and these records are not far away from the national records and the third winner finished on 1:15.6hrs for the males category. In female category the first winner spent almost two hours, second spent 2:15hrs and the third one managed to finished the race and spent 2:37 minutes.
The Director of YPM Rev. Godfrey Walalaze asked Lushoto council to register the Cycling Association and Marathon Association to help young people who like those games. Finally, the District Cultural and Sports Officer agreed with the idea to form those associations.The first initiative taken was to form temporally steering team which will be responsible to communicate with district authorities for the registration procedures of those two associations. In case of awards the prizes were as follows:
1.~Tsh.100,000/- + Medal & Certificate
2.~Tsh.75,000/- + Medal & Certificate
3.~Tsh.50,000/- + Medal & Certificate
Those prizes awarded equally for both categories that is Males and Females. However, there were special gifts to the young people U15 who participated and manage to finish the race and awarded Tsh.10,000/- + Certificate but the greatest gifts was healthy improvement to participants.
SUCCESS
- Organization has been known widely in Lushoto district and over Tanga region.
- Lushoto District Council and head of the district office with various institutions show readiness to cooperate in various activities the better future of people in community.
- Organization activities has been known to majority in the communityis believed in the community.
CHALLENGES
- Time management….participants arrived late at the field area to start the race.
- Gender imbalance
- Lack of supports from other institutions.
- Negative attitude both from participants and community about the game!
Sports and Games is very importance to the community development especially for the youths and also to other stakeholders in general.Blessed are peacemakers.