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The Salvation Army in the country says it is committed to develop and nurture sports among children with special needs.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this reporter , Captain Joseph Mtete School Administrator who is also Public Relations Officer Of The salvation army Tanzania Territory said they are involved in nurturing and developing sporting talents because they believe that doing so helps children improve their physical, mental, and spiritual health, saying sports also help the children develop discipline, teamwork, good morals, and keep them away from harmful behaviors.
He said also through sports, the Salvation Army can build strong relationships with the community and provide children with opportunities to showcase their talents and even access professional development and other important areas of life.
Mtete said they collaborate with sports teachers as well as various stakeholders in the sports sector.
“ We collaborate with sports teachers and other stakeholders and children are often invited to participate in various competitions and games with other children, and this helps us to identify their talents,
“ And for one to qualify to join the School(Jeshi la Wokovu Primary School) a parent or guardian must follow the official registration procedures, which may include filling out an application form. Since it is a special needs school, the child must meet the purpose and criteria of the school. Parents are also required to submit important documents such as the birth certificate. In some cases, there may be assessments or interviews to determine the child’s needs and abilities. The majority of the children participate in sports because we believe that disability is not inability,” he said.
He said , in the country the Salvation Army has contributed alot in the development and nurturing of sports among children with special needs.
“ Through the primary school for children with special needs in the development of sports in the country in various ways by allowing the children to participate in national sports events, and some of them represent the country in other nations whenever they get the opportunity,” he said.
The official said, the School does not discriminate against any person depending on the religion , he said when it comes to sports, if a particular area or center allows for such activities, then the opportunity will be provided.
He said due to lack of dedicated professional sports personnel, the School uses the available sports teachers and also disclosed that Salvation Army does not host any tournament; they depend on invitations where the children are trained by qualified people.
“ Currently, we do not have dedicated professional sports personnel. However, we utilize available sports teachers where possible. In many cases, our children receive invitations to train or participate in activities with qualified coaches and professionals in the field,” added the official.
He said the majority of the children, especially those from the Salvation Army primary school, participate in sporting activities, and he appealed to well wishers to help the school so that special needs children realize thier dreams.
Further he asked organizers of various special needs sports events to invite children from the school to attend.
“Providing sports services to children is a very special part of our mission. I kindly request sports stakeholders and friends, whenever there are sports activities, to remember the children of the Salvation Army and I warmly welcome you to visit our school,” said he.