Sports

2012 Dar Goat Races on track

THE 12th Dar es Salaam Charity Goat Races is on track to take place on September 1, with organizers saying this year’s event promise to be as fun-packed as ever. 

“We have the racing goats of course. We have a selection of Dar’s best food outlets on site, some mind blowing entertainment lined up for children of all ages, and there are some breath-taking prizes to be won in the raffle. It is not to be missed!” Goat Races Committee Chair Karen Stanley said.

More than 3,000 people come along to the Goat Races each year and many take part in the highly competitive fancy dress competitions with some amazing prizes on offer.  Mrs Stanley added:

“This year’s Wild West theme may inspire many to dig out their cowboy boots and hats, but you don’t have to stick to the theme.” This year’s races will be held from 12 p.m to 5.30 p.m, at The Green on Kenyatta Drive.  Behind all the fun, the Goat Races have a serious purpose. 

The annual family fun day has so far raised more than 544m/- (more than 345,000 US dollars at current rates) for around 50 local organisations and charities since the first races in 2001.  Dar Charity Goats Race Founder Paul Joynson-Hicks said: “The secret to the success of the Dar Charity Goat Races is the combination of fun and the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of local people.

We take both elements very seriously. “And we could not do it at all without our sponsors, particularly those who pay to own a race. This year’s Race Owners are Southern Sun, British Airways, Coca-Cola, Tanzanian Breweries Limited, British Gas, Aetna and Mantra Tanzania.”

Two local organisations being supported this year are Kidzcare Tanzania and Kigamboni Community Centre.  Kidzcare run a Children’s Home and Kindergarten in Bagamoyo District, and two more Kindergartens in Mbeya. Altogether they support nearly 300 children. 

Kigamboni Community Centre provides kindergarten schooling and a range of creative and sporting activities for young people, supporting around 300 local teenagers. The KCC acrobatics team will be keeping the children amused in the Goat Races Kids Area once again this year.

Kidzcare founder Rob Notman was grateful as he said: “If you look at one child at a time you can see how much that one child’s life has been changed thanks to the Goat Races money. Not just the physical change, but the life change – it’s priceless.”

Kigamboni Community Centre Executive Director Nassoro Mkwesso said: “Kids around here don’t have many outlets, but those who come to the centre can start to believe they can become something. Some of them have dreams and KCC can help them to realize their dreams.”