Dar es Salaam's athletics team has received a major boost ahead of the National Athletics Championships after Azania Bank sponsored the squad with sports equipment as it departed for the two-day competition that begins today at Filbert Bayi Secondary School in Kibaha, Coast Region.
The sponsorship underscores the growing role of the private sector in supporting sports development, with athletes expected to compete for national titles as well as qualification for future international competitions.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Temeke Municipal Council Cultural Officer Kassim Semfuko urged the athletes to maintain discipline and determination, describing the two qualities as essential for success in competitive sports.
He praised the coaching staff for preparing the team despite the limited training period and expressed confidence that the athletes would deliver strong performances.
"We appreciate the coaches for their dedication in preparing these young athletes within a short period. We believe they will compete well and return home with outstanding results," he said.
Azania Bank Branch Manager Valentina Chasama reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting athletics in Dar es Salaam, saying the lender would continue investing in competitions and programmes that nurture young sporting talent.
She said the bank believes in the team's potential and encouraged the athletes to compete with discipline, commitment and pride.
"We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Dar es Salaam Athletics Association and all athletes. We are confident you will represent the region with distinction and return with success. Our partnership with athletics will continue beyond this championship," she said.
Chasama also encouraged the athletes to make use of Azania Bank's youth banking products, including specialised savings accounts designed to help young people build financial security while pursuing their sporting careers.
Dar es Salaam Athletics Association (DAA) chairman Aman Ngoka said the squad was selected through regional championships held earlier this year and comprises some of the region's most promising athletes.
He noted that the National Athletics Championships, which have attracted competitors from all 31 regions, offer more than national honours, serving as a pathway for athletes seeking qualification to represent Tanzania at the Commonwealth Games.
"We have assembled a strong team capable of competing at the highest level. Beyond winning medals, this championship provides our athletes with an opportunity to achieve the qualifying standards required to represent Tanzania at the Commonwealth Games," Ngoka said.
The championships are expected to showcase the country's emerging athletics talent while offering competitors an opportunity to earn national recognition and strengthen their prospects of representing Tanzania on the international stage.
