Sports stakeholders in Tanzania have been encouraged to recognize sports not only as a form of competition but also as a powerful platform for transforming the lives of young people and connecting them to global education and career opportunities.
Speaking during the Monti AquaForce training camp held at Monti International School and concluded on May 14, 2026, sports enthusiast Shafii Dauda praised ongoing efforts to identify, nurture, and develop swimming talent among Tanzanian youth.
Dauda commended Monti International School, the Monti AquaForce team, and visiting American coach Austin Pillado for designing a structured programme that focuses on both athletic performance and long-term personal development of young swimmers.
He noted that swimming, like other sports, offers lessons that go far beyond competition, helping young athletes build discipline, self-confidence, patience, and a positive mindset that supports success in life.
He further emphasized that sports have the ability to inspire young people to think beyond their immediate surroundings and pursue opportunities at the international level.
“In swimming, there is much more than what we see in competition. Young people are learning discipline, building confidence, developing resilience, and shaping a positive outlook toward their future development,” said Dauda.
He also expressed satisfaction with discussions held during the camp on international pathways for athletes, including opportunities linked to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) system in the United States.
He noted that early preparation is crucial in building sustainable academic and athletic success for young Tanzanians.
“I am very impressed by the discussions on international opportunities, NCAA pathways, and long-term athlete development that is being introduced at an early stage for Tanzanian youth,” he added.
Dauda called on coaches, parents, guardians, and all sports stakeholders to actively support such initiatives and take advantage of available learning opportunities that can help young athletes reach international standards.
He stressed that developing a strong sports ecosystem requires collaboration, continuous learning, and investment in modern training approaches.
On her part, the Director and organiser of the programme at Monti International School, Fatma Fernandes, expressed appreciation to parents, guardians, journalists, and sports stakeholders who participated in the event, noting that their involvement played a key role in showcasing young talent.
She said the school strongly believes that education extends beyond the classroom and includes building discipline, confidence, and providing global opportunities through sports.
“This is the reason behind the establishment of Monti AquaForce. Through this camp and the presence of Coach Austin Pillado from the United States, we have had the opportunity to learn about athlete development, NCAA pathways, and how our children can access global opportunities through sports and education,” she said.
Fatma added that it was encouraging to see coaches from Tanzania and Kenya training and learning together, describing it as an important step toward strengthening regional cooperation in sports development.
She emphasized that all stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure that young people are given the right environment, guidance, and opportunities to achieve their dreams through sports.
Meanwhile, Sports Officer from the National Sports Council (BMT), Petro Gallos Chelula, said the training sessions for coaches and swimmers were highly valuable as they equipped participants with modern techniques required for international competitiveness.
He urged stakeholders to continue organizing similar programmes regularly to enhance technical knowledge among coaches and athletes, while also keeping pace with evolving technologies and global standards in sports training.
The camp was highlighted as a growing platform for talent development, international exposure, and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the role of sports as a key driver of youth empowerment and national development.
