Atiba Motivates Monti Parents and Swimmers at Sports Forum

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Tanzania: Bridging Athletic Excellence and Community Development

In a remarkable initiative that combined elite athletic expertise with grassroots community development, internationally recognized swim coach Atiba Wade led an empowering session with the Monti International School community. This event brought together parents, educators, and young swimmers in a dynamic forum focused on goal-setting, cultivating a growth mindset, and emphasizing the vital role of parental involvement in sports.

The forum was organized by Champion Rise Tanzania in collaboration with Monti International School, RM, Colosseum Hotel & Fitness Club, and Shaaban Roberts School. It was part of a broader effort to elevate swimming standards in Tanzania and included the International ASCA Coaches Certification Program, supported by Monti International. This certification aligns Tanzanian coaches with global coaching benchmarks, ensuring the future of the sport is built on knowledge, discipline, and international best practices.

Mindset, Mentorship, and Parental Impact

Atiba Wade brought more than just his impressive credentials to the session—he delivered a powerful message centered on unity, purpose, and belief in the potential of young athletes. The forum specifically addressed how emotional and psychological factors shape a child’s journey in competitive sports. According to Atiba, parental understanding of these unseen aspects can often determine whether a child experiences burnout or breakthroughs.

“It’s not just about training hard,” he emphasized. “It’s about training smart. When parents understand the mindset needed for growth in sport, children feel more supported, more confident, and more willing to push past limits.” He explained that young athletes often face pressure and self-doubt, and a nurturing support system at home can significantly enhance their resilience, motivation, and performance.

By involving parents in the development process, Atiba believes that sport becomes not only an individual pursuit but a shared family value. This approach fosters a deeper connection between athletes and their families, creating a foundation for long-term success.

A Vision Turned Reality at Monti International

The forum also marked a significant milestone in Monti International School’s journey. As a Cambridge-certified institution offering Pre-Primary and Primary education, Monti has become a model for holistic child development in Tanzania. During the event, the school unveiled plans to construct a 25-meter swimming pool at its Rose Garden Road campus, reinforcing its long-term commitment to world-class sports infrastructure.

Additionally, through the ASCA program, Monti has invested in training its coaches and administrators, ensuring that its sports philosophy aligns with international standards. This commitment reflects the school’s mission to nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.

“We are truly grateful to Amina Mfaume for turning this vision into reality,” said Fatma Fernandes, Head of Monti International School. “Bringing someone of Coach Atiba’s calibre to Tanzania has been a game-changer for our community. At Monti, we nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.”

Fernandes added that events like these symbolize Monti’s broader educational mission: to create an environment where every child is empowered to dream big, grow with confidence, and embrace both local culture and global opportunity.

The Role of Champion Rise Tanzania

At the heart of this initiative is Champion Rise Tanzania, an organization founded by Amina Mfaume to bridge the gap between local talent and international opportunities. For Mfaume, bringing Coach Atiba to Tanzania wasn’t just about coaching—it was about belief.

“My goal is to expose Tanzanian children and coaches to global excellence,” said Mfaume. “Bringing Coach Atiba here was about showing what’s possible when we invest in our children’s potential. This is about raising the bar, not just for sport, but for how we raise a generation of disciplined, driven, and empowered young people.”

Champion Rise continues to work closely with schools, local clubs, and international partners to elevate sports education and access in Tanzania. The inclusion of parents in the forum was intentional, as Mfaume believes sustainable athletic success starts with family understanding and encouragement.

Empowerment in and Beyond the Pool

The forum’s impact was tangible and deeply felt. Monti’s young swimmers learned not just about technique or performance—but about setting personal goals, building habits, and believing in their own ability to grow. Parents left the session with practical tools, mindset shifts, and a greater appreciation of the role they play in their child’s sporting journey.

The experience became a shared moment of transformation—where the pool became more than water; it became a platform for dreams, discipline, and determination. As Monti International School continues to invest in both academic and extracurricular excellence, initiatives like this reaffirm its role as a pioneering institution committed to raising confident, well-rounded global citizens—one lap at a time.