By Mussa Juma, Maipac
Babati. A
total of 35 teams will participate in the 2024 Chem Chem Cup, costing about 78
million shillings to run the tournament.
The 10th
edition of the tournament was launched on Saturday (September 7) by Mbulu
District Commissioner, Veronica Kessy on behalf of the Manyara Regional
Commissioner, Queen Sendiga.
Kessy
praised the Chem Chem Foundation for supporting sports and conservation in
Babati District.
“We
commend Chem Chem for promoting this tournament every year. It helps conserve
the environment and fight poaching,” she said.
She
encouraged Babati residents to engage in conservation activities.
“The
government appreciates Chem Chem’s efforts. Conservation brings great
benefits,” Kessy added.
Clever
Zulu, Chem Chem’s General Manager, said the foundation will continue supporting
the tournament.
“This
year’s theme is ‘Protect the Environment, Save the Giraffe.’ We expect many
participants from the ten villages in the Burunge Wildlife Management Area,”
Zulu said.
John Bura,
the tournament secretary, affirmed that a total of 35 teams will participate.
“We have
18 senior football teams, 9 youth teams under 18, and 8 women’s teams,” he
said.
The
winners in the men’s category will get a trophy and 2.5 million shillings. The
second place will get 1.5 million shillings, and the third place will receive 1
million shillings.
For the
women’s teams, the winners will get 1.5 million shillings, second place 1
million shillings, and third place 500,000 shillings.
“The youth
champions will receive 1 million shillings, second place 600,000 shillings, and
third place 400,000 shillings. All champions will get medals, and there will be
awards for the best players,” Bura explained.
Babati
District Wildlife Officer, Christopher Laizer, said the tournament aims to
promote conservation.
“We want
to educate the community on protecting the environment, fighting poaching,
building relationships, and improving health through sports,” Laizer stated.