The national youth athletics team for both under-18 and under-20 categories has officially entered camp today in Kibaha, Coast Region, as part of its final preparations for the upcoming East Africa Regional Athletics (EARA) Championships.
The highly anticipated competition is scheduled to take place on April 25 and 26 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The training camp is being hosted at the prestigious Filbert Bayi Secondary School, a renowned institution with a strong background in athletics development.
The decision to host the camp at this location was made to take advantage of the school's excellent facilities and conducive environment for high-performance training.
According to Michael Washa, the Technical Chairperson of the Athletics Tanzania Federation (RT), the athletes selected for the national team were chosen through a rigorous selection process.
The trials were held at Filbert Bayi School last week and brought together some of the most promising young talents from across the country.
“We are confident in the squad that has been assembled. The selection process was competitive, and we believe these athletes have what it takes to represent Tanzania with pride,” Washa told The Respondent Online.
“The team officially reports to camp today at 3:00 PM, where they will begin intensive preparations in the lead-up to the championship.”
The EARA Championships are expected to draw participation from several East African nations, making it a key event for regional athletics.
With a reputation for producing elite athletes, the competition serves as both a platform for exposure and a stepping stone toward larger international meets.
Washa emphasized that the goal is not only to participate but to bring home medals and raise the profile of Tanzania's youth athletics on the continental stage.
“This is more than just a training camp. It’s an opportunity to instill discipline, strategy, and national pride in our young athletes,” he added.
The Federation has expressed optimism that with proper training and focus, the young team will perform exceptionally well and further cement Tanzania’s position in the athletics arena.
As the countdown to the EARA Championships continues, all eyes will be on the youthful squad as they hone their skills in Kibaha, aiming to make a mark in regional sports history.
