Goat Racing For Charity

The Rotary Goat Races is a charity that is conducted by the Rotary Club of Dar Es Salaam Oyster bay. They are also known as the Oyster Bay, a name used by many of its members and friends. This club is one of the largest rotary clubs in Tanzania. They have been conducting since 2009 and has been able to unite people in hard work and service while spreading harmony. They focus in many projects that aim in issues such as literacy and education, water and sanitation and many others. 

The beginning of goat racing in Tanzania started in 2001 following Uganda’s lead. The fact that goats that could race faster existed caught people’s attention and it became a good way to make it into a charity. For the past 17 years since 2001 to 2017 it was known as Charity Goat Races. For all these years Charity Goat Races has been able to support many organisations and charities by raising millions of shillings for Tanzanians in need. 

In 2017, the Charity Goat Races came to an end. The committee of the goat races decided to take a break despite the achievements brought by Charity Goat Races. This decisions left all the followers of goat racing in sorrow and wondering why it ended. 

Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam came to pick up goat racing in 2018 when they saw how it brought an impact to the society. They then changed the name to Rotary Goat Races. They have a vision which is to change as many lives as possible through education. They began with the 2018 edition under the motto; Wakanda Goat Are You? This attracted more people to attend due to the word wakanda referring the Marvel movie “Black Panther” They also included competitions for the spectators which were best dressed couple or group. Children were also included. 

All funds raised will be given as charity in different community projects that support education like the scholarship program that funds university students in Tanzania. Since it was their first year as Rotary Goat Races, the outcome and response was very positive. It would be great to have another goat race in the near future.

By Edna Deus