The Association for Football for Persons with Disabilities in Dodoma has unveiled plans to establish football teams aimed at expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities to participate in sports and nurture their talents.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, the association’s chairperson, Bam Bilasho, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to promote inclusion and equal participation in sports.
He explained that the association has launched an awareness campaign targeting youths with limb disabilities, particularly those with the loss of one arm or one leg, to register for training and preparation ahead of team formation.
Bilasho said the programme seeks to encourage parents and guardians to support children with disabilities by allowing them to explore their abilities through sports, noting that football can play a key role in building self-confidence, creating income opportunities, and opening pathways to regional, national, and international competitions.
“Our aim is to build strong and competitive teams here in Dodoma. The sensitisation campaign has already begun, and we are calling on the public to encourage eligible youths to come forward so that the process of forming teams can start,” he said.
He added that through the initiative, young people with disabilities will be empowered to showcase their talents and represent Dodoma, as well as Tanzania, in various tournaments within and outside the country.