Kikwete sports academy construction set for 2015

Construction of Jakaya Kikwete Uhuru Sports Academy is expected to start next year in Coast Region, Uhuru Marathon organisers disclosed yesterday.

Uhuru Marathon co-ordinator, Innocent Melleck said the academy, to be built at Msoga for a period of five years, will cost Tshs 4.8 billion.

He said the academy is the brainchild of Uhuru Marathon aiming at nurturing, developing and promoting sporting activities in the country.

Melleck said the academy will cater for all sporting activities in primary an
d secondary schools and will have, among other structures, modern swimming pools and hostels. Qualified trainers will be recruited to supervise the facility.

“The academy is to be built at Msoga in Chalinze on the area of 25 hectares…we have already paid half of the money and our plan is to start construction next year.

“This centre will produce athletes that can represent the country at local and international events,” he said. 

He said the academy will admit pupils who will be identified by scouts from all national sports associations.

“We have set all structures and we are sure that the academy will be very successful. We will present all details of the centre to President Jakaya Kikwete on December 7 at the Leaders Club during this year’s Uhuru Marathon,” he said.  

Athletics Tanzania (AT) hailed the development, saying it is a step in the right direction in the development of sports in the country.

The association’s secretary general, Suleiman Nyambui, said the academy is the only hope for the development of all sporting activities in the country.

“This is a welcome development, as we (AT) have been complaining on poor performances of our athletes at local and international events. The country will be able to produce all trained athletes who are ready for any occasion,” he said.