The Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) has expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response from swimmers during the recent East Africa Development Swimming Gala, describing the event as a major step forward in identifying and nurturing young talent.
TSA Chairman David Mwasyoge said the competition has revealed a significant number of emerging swimmers, with more than 50 identified as promising young talents an indication of steady progress in the development of the sport in the country.
He noted that the addition of over 400 new swimmers has intensified domestic competition, while the association now targets reaching more than 1,000 active swimmers in the near future to build a stronger foundation for long-term growth.
Mwasyoge said TSA is currently engaging with the government to improve sports infrastructure, including the construction of modern swimming facilities that will cater for both athletes and spectators, a move expected to elevate the sport to higher standards.
He stressed that youth competitions remain a key priority, as they provide a platform for swimmers to gain exposure and reach the required standards for national and international competitions.
Meanwhile, the Director of Prime Sports Agency, Lameck Borega, said the event surpassed expectations in both participation and performance.
Borega explained that although the target was to attract 500 swimmers, the gala drew a total of 649 participants, including 610 Tanzanians and 39 swimmers from other countries enhancing both competitiveness and regional integration.
He added that children’s swimming categories have now been formally integrated into the TSA development system, a strategic move aimed at identifying and nurturing talent from an early age.
Despite the progress, Borega acknowledged the challenge of producing elite swimmers capable of competing on the global stage, including events such as the Olympic Games.
He said the long-term strategy focuses on grooming swimmers from as young as four to eight years.
According to Borega, tangible results from this investment are expected within the next four to six years, with plans underway to introduce more regular competitions to give swimmers greater exposure and better preparation for high-level contests.
