Azania Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sports development in Tanzania after congratulating the Dar es Salaam athletics team for finishing second at this year's National Athletics Championship held at Filbert Schools Mkuza grounds in Kibaha, Coast Region, on July 3–4.
The achievement came after the bank partnered with the Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA), providing sports equipment and other support to the regional team ahead of the competition as part of its growing investment in youth development through sports.
Speaking during a farewell ceremony for the athletes at the Benjamin Mkapa Hall in Dar es Salaam on July 2, Azania Bank Lumumba Branch Manager Valentina Chasama urged the team to compete with determination and return with honours, promising the bank would celebrate their success.
"We believe in your ability and are proud to stand behind you. Go and represent Dar es Salaam with confidence and discipline," she told the athletes before their departure.
The send-off ceremony was also attended by Temeke Municipal Cultural Officer Kasim Semfuko and Azimio Ward Councillor Hamduni Mohamed Ally, popularly known as Saddam, who encouraged the athletes to uphold discipline and teamwork while representing the region.
The championship attracted teams from across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, with Mjini Magharibi emerging overall champions. Dar es Salaam secured second place, while Kusini Unguja finished third.
Following their return to the city on July 5, the athletes and team officials paid a courtesy visit to Azania Bank's Lumumba Branch on July 6, where they were warmly received by the bank's management in recognition of their achievement.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, team captain Mpaji Gibdon said the bank's sponsorship played a significant role in boosting the team's morale ahead of the championship.
"The support from Azania Bank gave us confidence and motivation to perform at our best. We were determined to justify the trust placed in us, and we are grateful to have delivered a strong result," he said.
Head coach Erick Magesa said the sponsorship extended beyond financial support, noting that the sports gear provided by the bank gave the team a professional appearance and strengthened their confidence throughout the competition.
He also praised the leadership of the Dar es Salaam Athletics Association for introducing reforms that are helping to identify, nurture and develop athletics talent across the region.
DAA Chairman Amani Mnkande Ngoka described the runners-up finish as a landmark achievement, saying it was the region's best performance in more than a decade.
"This result marks a major turning point for Dar es Salaam athletics. We have not achieved such success in over 11 years, and with continued support from partners like Azania Bank, our target next year is to win the national championship," he said.
Representing Azania Bank's Managing Director, Ms Chasama congratulated the athletes and technical bench for their outstanding performance, saying the bank would continue investing in initiatives that empower young athletes to excel nationally and internationally.
She said the bank had honoured its promise by welcoming the team after the championship and opening bank accounts for every athlete and official, through which their rewards would be deposited.
Ms Chasama added that the partnership between Azania Bank and the Dar es Salaam Athletics Association would continue beyond the championship, with the bank committing to support future athletics development programmes aimed at producing more competitive athletes and strengthening Tanzania's sporting excellence.
