TZ swimmers set for ‘club’ Games

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s up-and-coming swimmers, Celina Itatiro and Collins Saliboko have secured tickets for the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 18 to 23 in Bahamas.

Celina, who swims for Dar Swim Club (DSC), is one of the best young female swimmers in the country, having won many medals in both local and international competitions.

Saliboko, who is based England, is among swimmers Tanzanians bank on for medals in various high-profile championships.

Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) said yesterday that the two swimmers have all it takes to do Tanzanians proud at the games, which will feature over 1,000 young athletes from across the world.

In an interview with The Citizen yesterday, TSA secretary general Ramadhan Namkoveka said the swimmers were selected on merit.

He said the association picked the duo to represent Tanzania at the Bahamas games following their impressive performance in international swimming championships last year.

“They are among the best young swimmers in Tanzania at the moment. I am optimistic they will also qualify for the World Swimming Championships,” said Namkoveka.

“I am optimistic that the two swimmers will steal show at the Bahamas games.

They will also acquire the skills they need to win top honours at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan,” he added.

Itatiro said she has been performing well in both local and international championships due to her dedication and passion for swimming and her desire to prove that Tanzanians can excel in other sports.

“My passion for swimming is immeasurable. I swim well because I want to prove that Tanzanians are not just good in athletics.

I want to make my country proud as well as those who support me,” she said.

This will be the first time in over 50 years for a Commonwealth Games event to take place in the Caribbean, the last being in 1966 in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Youth Games will bring together more than 1000 youngsters aged 14-18 in a Caribbean carnival of impactful competition, personal development and new Commonwealth friendships.