Nineteen participants are currently taking part in a wheelchair basketball coaching and officiating training program aimed at promoting inclusive sports for persons with disabilities. The training is being held at JMK Park in Dar es Salaam, from May 13 to May 17.
The program is facilitated by national trainer Robert Manyerere, in collaboration with international wheelchair basketball referee Shabani Mahobonya, and supported by other experienced coaches and officials.
According to Abdallah Mpogole, Secretary General of the Tanzania Wheelchair Basketball Association (TWBA), the training is designed to equip teachers from primary and secondary schools, special needs institutions, disability support organizations, and members of the wider community with essential knowledge and skills in wheelchair basketball.
“This is a specialized program aimed at developing coaching and officiating capacity in wheelchair basketball. Our goal is to empower participants to return to their communities and promote the sport, especially by identifying and engaging children with disabilities who may have been marginalized or hidden from public life,” said Mpogole.
The training combines both theoretical and practical components, with several athletes with disabilities actively participating in hands-on sessions on the court. One of the long-term goals is to prepare a national team to represent Tanzania in international wheelchair basketball competitions.
Ali Abdalla Khatib, a participant from Zanzibar, shared his enthusiasm, saying he plans to use the knowledge gained to train others and expand the network of qualified coaches and referees—a major gap currently facing the sport in Tanzania.
William Sabuni, a participant from Tanga, expressed his commitment to applying the training in his home region.
He emphasized his desire to raise awareness among people with disabilities, and work toward securing equipment and resources to continue developing the sport locally.
“This initiative will help address the low participation of persons with disabilities in sports and encourage inclusivity through structured training and engagement,” Sabuni said.
The training marks a significant step toward promoting inclusive sports development and building a sustainable structure for wheelchair basketball in Tanzania.