The captain of Tanzania’s national wheelchair tennis team, Rehema Said, has made a heartfelt appeal to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to extend her symbolic support known as the “Mama’s Goal” to the sport of wheelchair tennis, which has recently gained momentum on the international stage.
The national team departed today, May 4, for Turkey to participate in the 2024 BNP Paribas World Team Cup, the prestigious international competition for women in wheelchair tennis, scheduled to take place from May 6 to 11.
Speaking during the national flag-handover ceremony, Rehema emphasized the importance of morale-boosting gestures from national leadership.
She noted that such recognition would inspire athletes with disabilities and affirm their equal value in the sporting community.
“This kind of motivation would lift our spirits and empower us to work even harder. We’re calling on all Tanzanians to keep us in their prayers, and we humbly ask Mama [President Samia] to extend her ‘Mama’s Goal’ to wheelchair tennis. We’ve proven ourselves on the international stage and believe we deserve that encouragement,” Rehema stated.
Charles Maguzu, Sports Officer from the National Sports Council (BMT), echoed Rehema’s sentiments and called upon sports stakeholders and well-wishers to support wheelchair tennis through sponsorship and funding.
“The government has recognized the team’s dedication and has stepped in to cover travel allowances and air tickets,” Maguzu said. “Tanzania has a strong record in international competitions, and this team has successfully progressed from regional African tournaments to the global stage. The government remains fully committed to supporting them.”
John Bura, Chairperson of the Tanzania Wheelchair Tennis Association, confirmed that the Tanzanian delegation includes five members: three athletes, one coach, and a team manager.
He expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness and determination to deliver strong results and fly the national flag high on the global stage.
Sixteen nations will compete in this year’s tournament, making it one of the most competitive events in international wheelchair tennis.
