THE Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Riziki Pembe Juma, has urged citizens of the Isles to engage in various sports to maintain healthy lifestyles and prevent non-communicable diseases.

Riziki made the appeal recently while laying the foundation stone for the construction of elite sports venues in Mwera Regeza Mwendo, West District A. 

The project, titled Sports for Development, is a key initiative under the celebrations of the 61st Anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, which will culminate on January 12, 2025.

"Health experts consistently encourage the community to exercise or participate in sports. I urge you all to take part in sports activities, as they improve health and help prevent non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure," Riziki stated.

The minister emphasized that beyond health benefits, sports play a crucial role in creating employment and contributing to individual and national economic development. 

She highlighted how sports help youth stay away from negative behaviors and engage in constructive activities.

"I call on parents and guardians to allow their daughters to participate in sports. It is not a crime. What matters is observing discipline, ethics, traditions, and the culture of the people of Zanzibar," Riziki added.

Lucy Moto, a representative of the German international organization GIZ, which supports the project, noted that the initiative aims to construct six elite sports venues across Zanzibar.

"Three of these venues will be built in Unguja and three in Pemba, dedicated to basketball, netball, and volleyball," Lucy explained.

She further emphasized that the project will focus on promoting gender equality.

"Our goal is to break stereotypes against women and girls. Such stereotypes hinder economic, social, and political development for women and the nation as a whole," Lucy remarked.