COMMISSIONER KUJI AND WORLD-RENOWNED ATHLETICS CHAMPION ALPHONCE SIMBU RECEIVE A WARM WELCOME IN ZANZIBAR.




By Andrew Mbai – Zanzibar

The Commissioner of Conservation at TANAPA, CPA (T) Musa Nassoro Kuji, together with the 2025 World Gold Medalist in long-distance running, Alphonce Simbu, were warmly received in Zanzibar on December 31, 2025, following a special invitation from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

The special invitation extended to TANAPA and the world champion long-distance runner Alphonce Simbu—who won gold at the 2025 World Championships held in Tokyo, Japan—was aimed at enabling their participation in a special Zanzibar Physical Fitness Bonanza for 2026. The event took place on the morning of January 1, 2026, in Zanzibar Town and began with a fitness walk.

The walk was led by H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. It started at the Michenzani area and ended at the New Amani Complex Stadium located in the Urban West Region of Zanzibar.

At the conclusion of the bonanza, world champion long-distance runner Alphonce Simbu was officially introduced to fitness enthusiasts who attended the event and had an opportunity to take photographs with H.E. the President of Zanzibar.

Speaking after the completion of the bonanza, Commissioner Kuji expressed his gratitude to H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar for the special invitation extended to TANAPA and the world champion athlete. He noted that the joint visit by TANAPA and the athlete would inspire young athletes in Zanzibar to set their goals high and aspire to become successful athletes like Alphonce Simbu.

“Special appreciation goes to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, for prioritizing the tourism and sports sectors. These efforts have contributed significantly to the growth of sports talents who are excelling globally, as demonstrated by Alphonce Simbu. I also sincerely thank H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, for this special invitation, which has enabled TANAPA to participate in this bonanza as part of the preparations for the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution,” said Commissioner Kuji.

On his part, athlete Alphonce Simbu thanked TANAPA for facilitating his first-ever visit to Zanzibar. He pledged to continue developing his talent so that, through his achievements, he can promote Tanzania’s tourism attractions found in the National Parks as well as the country at large.

Addressing participants of the bonanza—which was attended by over 500 participants from 165 fitness groups from Unguja, Pemba, and Mainland Tanzania—H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, commended all participants for their commitment and active participation in physical exercises.

“Sports are a vital pillar in strengthening health, fostering unity and solidarity, and ultimately maintaining peace and well-being. We will continue to improve sports infrastructure so that Zanzibar becomes a hub for sports tourism,” said H.E. Dr. Mwinyi.

Sports tourism is an emerging tourism product that requires continued support, empowerment, and improvement of its infrastructure in order to attract more athletes. This will enable greater participation in national and international competitions, achieve success, promote Tanzania, and attract more tourists to visit the country’s attractions.

The Zanzibar Physical Fitness Bonanza 2026 was organized by the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports Zanzibar in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Zanzibar, together with the Zanzibar Aerobics and Body Exercise Sports Association (ZABESA), under the theme: “Peace and unity are the treasures of our nation.”

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