You’ve probably heard of people using sports to change their own lives, but how many do you know who are using sports to transform the lives of others?
Meet Omary, class of ’24, a young man who took his love for basketball and turned it into a full-blown movement for social change in his Tanzanian community. Through his initiative, he empowers young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds to become top players, nurtured by strong values and guided through mentorship programs.
But first, let’s take a trip down memory lane
Back in 2023, while still a student at St Jude’s, Omary was selected to represent Tanzania on the U18 National Basketball Team. Of the 12 players on the squad, nine came from international schools around Arusha. And then there was him, representing St Jude’s with pride.
“I knew talent and hard work matter, but so does support,” he says. “The biggest support I got was from Mr Mcharo. He has direct contact with the regional sports officer, and used his contact to ensure I wasn't left behind when opportunities to represent the country arose.”
Surrounded by teammates with premium gear, top-tier coaching, and every resource at their fingertips, he thought to himself, “What about kids like me, who have the talent but no access?”
That question sparked something in him. And that spark became a fire—one that led to the founding of the Tanzania Youth Sports Foundation.
Turning empty fields into training grounds
Omary’s mission goes far beyond teaching kids how to play the game. His focus is on helping young people set goals, trust the process, and believe in their worth, even when life tells them otherwise.
His program runs once a month, following a full-day schedule. The day starts at 9am with warm-ups and drills, followed by focused skill-building sessions led by volunteer coaches. By lunchtime, the kids gather for life lessons and motivation from mentors. “By 1pm, we wrap up with gifts and donations of school supplies like pens, pencils, and notebooks, as well as sports gear such as balls, pumps, and nets before everyone departs,” says Omary.
One of the biggest early challenges? Getting coaches to show up consistently. But Omary was determined. Drawing from his experience with national tournaments and past teams, he reached out to former colleagues who shared his passion.
“I wasn’t just looking for coaches,” he says. “I needed people who believed in shaping young lives.”
He managed to recruit 17 volunteer coaches who committed their time, energy, and mentorship and who now form the backbone of the foundation. They train, mentor and help scout youth with potential, guiding them toward greatness.
Funding, however, proved even tougher. “I’ve spent my last coin just to keep this dream alive,” Omary says. Refusing to give up, he launched a small business selling fruit shakes and sports gear, essentially doing whatever it took to keep the program running and uplift the youth in his community.
The teen who left a mark on Omary
Omary first met Hassan in August 2024 at Ngarenaro Secondary School. Hassan was in Form 3, talented in basketball, but on the verge of dropping out due to peer pressure.
“He was my first recruit,” Omary shares.
Omary took him under his wing, training with him, mentoring him, and encouraging him to get back to school. “I taught him what basketball and life success looked like,” he says.
In February 2025, thanks to Omary’s quiet persistence and efforts to connect him with coaches, Hassan was invited to the National Team tryouts.
After the tryouts, Hassan returned in tears. “Bro, you changed my life,” he told Omary. Not only had Hassan made the National Basketball Team, but this July, he and the team will face the Giants of Africa in Rwanda.
It was a moment they both will never forget.
Future aspirations and advice
With a strong belief that sports and academics go hand-in-hand, Omary and his team target government schools in the community. So far, they’ve reached 11 schools, with plans to extend to an additional 20 schools in 2025.
He’s also aiming to register the foundation as an official NGO this year. He’s got big plans—expanding outreach to Kilimanjaro and Manyara, building a community youth sports park, and maybe one day, establishing a nationwide sports academy.
“It all begins with commitment,” Omary says. Whether setting up a fruit shake stall or coaching at a basketball camp, he proves that transformation doesn’t require a big arena, just a vision, a ball, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Be a Champion for Change and share your story with us via alumni@schoolofstjude.co.tz or 0766200609.
