THE Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa expects to flag off Hapa Kazi Marathon, a 21km race scheduled to take place on January 30 in Dodoma. The half marathon and its supporting races are being organised to mark the 100 days of John Magufuli’s presidency as well as supporting his commitment to build a better Tanzania.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ yesterday, President of Athletics Tanzania Federation (AT), Anthony Mtaka, said the marathon is held to orient the Tanzanian team for the August 2016 Olympic Games slated for Rio De Jeneiro in Brazil.
“We dedicate this marathon in Dodoma for the achievements President John Magufuli has attained in his 100 days in office. However, the marathon is a good test for three athletes who have already met the Olympic qualifying standards,” he said. He said his federation is committed to see athletics regain its glorious past.Since Filbert Bayi won two gold medals in 1973 and 1974, athletics became the national sport and went on to produce other notable world class runners such as Suleiman Nyambui, Juma Ikangaa, John Yuda and Francis Naali.
“We have made up our minds to reclaim that lost glory,” he said. Organised by AT in close cooperation with Life Media Corporation Limited of Dar Es Salaam, the half marathon will be held two weeks before President John Magufuli marks his 100 days in office.
He was sworn in to the office on 5 December, 2015. Derek Murusuri, the Managing Director of Life Media said the fifth-phase hopes the leadership by President Magufuli will develop sports and games to the higher levels. . “The Ministry responsible for Sports is committed to unleash this potential.
It is because of this ambitious transformative project, AT thought it is wise to honour President Magufuli by naming this marathon after his leadership slogan”, he said.
Adding, Mtaka said while the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa will flag off the 21km half marathon, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Job Ndugai who will flag off the 5km, which will feature mostly Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and heads of corporate firms and the general public.
He said the 2km run which will be flagged off by the Minister responsible for Sports, Nape Nnauye, will comprise mostly children who are upcoming athletes of tomorrow.
/Daily News.
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