Preparations are underway for the Dar es Salaam Youth Athletics Championships, set to bring together children aged six to 17 from across Tanzania. Registration for the event will open from March 1 to March 25, 2026, ahead of the championships scheduled for March 27 to 29 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Amani Ngoka, Chairman of the Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA), said early registration is intended to give the organizing committee sufficient time to complete all preparations, including finalizing the competition schedule.
Ngoka encouraged aspiring athletes to prepare and take advantage of the registration period to secure their place in the championships.
“We welcome athletes from both within the country and abroad to participate, showcase their talent, and challenge our youth to demonstrate their skills, maturity, and competitive spirit,” he said.
Participants are expected from schools and community programs, with the aim of identifying and nurturing young talent.
Coaches will work closely with physical education teachers to develop promising athletes, providing guidance and training to enhance their abilities.
For older participants, organizers plan to establish training camps and explore options for building a dedicated talent development center, ensuring a structured pathway for nurturing future athletes.
Ngoka also called on sports stakeholders, sponsors, schools, and clubs to support the event. He said the championships provide an opportunity to collaborate in promoting youth sports and discovering the next generation of athletes.
“The main goal of the championships is to identify, develop, and nurture young athletes who can represent the country now and in the future,” he said.
Parents, schools, and clubs have been urged to prepare their children and encourage them to participate. The championships are open to children from all regions of Tanzania, not just Dar es Salaam.
Preparations are progressing steadily, with organizers committed to ensuring the event is conducted on a large scale, providing a platform for young athletes to shine and for the country to uncover its next sports stars.