The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has described the award she received from the International Military Sports Council (CISM) as a national honor for all Tanzanians and a strong motivation to enhance sports within the country’s Defence and Security Forces.
Speaking at State House during the award ceremony, Dr. Samia received the accolade from the Vice President of CISM and Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Defence Forces, Major General Maikano Abdullahi.
CISM conferred the award in recognition of President Samia’s contribution to enabling the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces to participate actively on the international stage in military sports, while upholding the values of peace, solidarity, friendship, equality, integrity, and resilience.
President Samia highlighted that military sports platforms play a vital role in fostering solidarity across geographical and cultural boundaries, while building trust and camaraderie among defence and security forces across Africa.
She emphasized the importance of promoting such opportunities for the wider benefit of the military and the overall growth of sports in the country.
On the importance of exercise in maintaining health and preventing non-communicable diseases, President Samia called on ministries, institutions, and government agencies to actively participate in competitions organized by the Federation of Sports for Ministries and Government Departments (SHIMIWI), noting their contribution to building a healthier nation.
In a related development, President Samia praised the Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob John Mkunda, for successfully hosting the 79th CISM General Assembly in Tanzania, which saw participation from various international delegates.
She further confirmed that the government will support CISM’s request to organize international military sports competitions in Tanzania.