The highly anticipated sixth edition of the Ladies First athletics competition is set to take place from November 22 to 24, 2024, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
This year’s event will bring together 155 athletes and officials from 31 regions across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, offering a vibrant showcase of talent and empowerment.
At a press conference held on November 20, Neema Msitha, the Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC), shared exciting details about the upcoming competition. In addition to the athletic events, Ms. Msitha announced that the event would feature a seminar on women’s issues and training sessions for coaches.
She emphasized that these initiatives aim to provide a holistic approach to empowering women in sports, both on and off the track.
“We are not just hosting a competition. We are creating a platform for women and girls to excel in athletics while also equipping coaches with the necessary skills to nurture future champions. The Ladies First event is about empowerment, education, and providing opportunities for women to thrive,” Ms. Msitha explained.
The opening ceremony on November 22 will be officiated by the Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, and will feature engaging fitness exercises and fun runs with 500 participants from Temeke.
Following the ceremony, the competition will commence, with athletes competing in a variety of track and field events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, 4x100m relays, and javelin throw.
This year, the event introduces a new focus on nurturing young talent, particularly among girls under 20 years of age.
“We are excited to introduce this new initiative. By targeting younger athletes, we are ensuring that the next generation of Tanzanian women will have the support they need to excel in sports and beyond,” Ms. Msitha said.
Ara Hitoshi, the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), also spoke passionately about the significance of the Ladies First event in promoting gender equality.
“This competition is not just about showcasing athletic talent. It’s about empowering women to take leadership roles and fostering physical education as a vital tool for development. JICA is proud to support such an impactful initiative,” Hitoshi noted.
Juma Ikangaa, JICA’s PR Ambassador and founder of Ladies First, echoed these sentiments, urging parents to encourage their daughters to participate.
“Sports have the power to open doors, build confidence, and teach invaluable life skills. The Ladies First event is a rare and important opportunity for young women in Africa to step into the spotlight and show the world what they can achieve,” Ikangaa said.
Alongside the competition, there will be side activities aimed at raising awareness about women’s empowerment and health.
Felix Chunga, a member of the Tanzania Athletics Federation (RT) Executive Committee, assured that the event would be organized with the utmost professionalism.
“We will ensure that all participants meet the necessary age criteria to ensure fair competition. The focus is on building the next generation of athletes, so we want to make sure that all technical aspects of the event are in place,” Chunga said.
The Ladies First event will also be attended by high-ranking officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, the Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania, the Chairperson of the NSC, and the Director General of the African Department from JICA headquarters.
As the competition approaches, excitement is building, with the Ladies First athletics competition set to once again highlight the power of sports to bring about positive change.
With its focus on gender equality, youth empowerment, and sports development, the event promises to be a key milestone in the ongoing effort to support and inspire women across Tanzania and beyond.
