Ilala district athletics team has emerged as the overall champion in the Umoja wa Michezo na Taaluma kwa Shule za Msingi Tanzania (UMITASHUMTA) Dar es Salaam regional competitions held on May 27 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The championship brought together primary school athletes from five districts of Ilala, Temeke, Kinondoni, Ubungo and Kigamboni, who competed in a series of track and field events aimed at identifying young sporting talent for regional and national representation.
Events contested included the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, and 1500 metres races, alongside the 100x4 metres relay and the long jump.
The competition attracted strong participation and showcased rising athletic talent from across the region.
Coached by Difna Chaila, Ilala delivered a commanding performance across both boys’ and girls’ categories, demonstrating consistency and depth in middle- and long-distance races as well as field events.
The team particularly excelled in the 800 metres, 1500 metres, 100x4 relay, and long jump, where they secured key victories that secured their overall dominance.
Ilala’s standout performer was Samirah Kisava, who impressed with a double victory in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events, underlining her strength and endurance in middle-distance running.
In the long jump, Ikram Namwando and Elizabeth Nyamka produced strong performances that further boosted Ilala’s points tally and cemented the district’s top position.
Kigamboni district emerged as Ilala’s closest challenger, pushing hard in several events and maintaining a competitive presence throughout the championship.
Temeke followed in third place, while Kinondoni and Ubungo also delivered commendable performances but fell short of challenging for the top position.
The competitions were officiated by referees from the Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA), ensuring adherence to official athletics standards and fair competition across all events.
Organisers confirmed that the championships will continue on May 28 with field events, particularly throwing disciplines, scheduled to take place at Jitegemee Secondary School grounds.
In addition to athletics, other sports disciplines are ongoing across different venues as part of the broader UMITASHUMTA programme, which aims to nurture talent, promote physical fitness, and strengthen sports development in primary schools.
The Dar es Salaam regional team will be selected upon completion of all events. The selected athletes will go on to represent the region at the national UMITASHUMTA championships, scheduled to take place in early June in Iringa Region.
The results highlight the growing competitiveness of school sports in Dar es Salaam and reflect increasing investment in grassroots athletics development across all districts.
