By Nick Butler

Several changes to the running of the Tanzania Olympic Committee were made at the General Assembly ©AFP/Getty ImagesOnly existing Executive Committee members will be able to contest future Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) Presidential elections following a constitutional change agreed at the body's General Assembly in Morogoro.


TOC President Gulam Rashid, who was first elected to the post in 2002, said the amendment would help in electing future leaders who have enough experience and inside knowledge to perform the role.

This fits with the stance encouraged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which itself follows the same rule.

It is hoped this will imrove the running of the body and, in the long term, help the African nation improve upon its all-time haul of two Olympic medals, both silvers won in athletics events at Moscow 1980, by Suleiman Nyambai over 5,000 metres, and current TOC secretary general Filbert Bayi in the 3,000m steeplechase.

Tanzania failed to win a medal at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, where cyclist Richard Loningo Laizer was among the team members ©Getty ImagesTanzania failed to win a medal at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, where cyclist Richard Loningo Laizer was among the team members ©Getty Images


During the Assembly, which was attended by Regional Commissioner and former Tanzanian Deputy Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Joel Bendera, a new post of executive office attendant was also introduced. 

This official will be tasked with coordinating meetings as well as overseeing daily official communications, it was explained, although the TOC will seek to raise funds in order to employ the new officer before they advertise the position.

Meanwhile, the TOC awarded former athlete Mwinga Mwanjala, who competed over 800 metres at the Moscow 1980 Olympics, a certificate for her 17 years of service to the body, while former Executive Committee members Peter Mwita and Henry Tandau were also recognised.

Members also approved the TOC calendar for the year 2015, received treasurer's 2013 audit report and also received and approved a draft budget for the next 12 months.

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