Ready, set, goat!

The 2016 edition of the Goat Races takes place on Saturday, September 10. Photo: Daniel Hayduk

The 16th edition of the Dar es Salaam Charity Goat Races takes place this Saturday, September 10.

From classrooms to toilet blocks and a mobile dental clinic, the goat races have raised over one billion TSH ($500,000 USD) for charities.

Last year alone, over 150 million TSH (nearly $70,000 USD) was raised in the event, which is based loosely on the UK Royal Ascot horse race — except with goats, of course.

“We say that just one goat can make a difference, and when you think about how the money raised from just one goat can go and buy school textbooks or uniforms, or fund a rural health clinic, you realize how one goat, and indeed the goat races, can truly make a difference to someone’s future,” says goat race director Karen Stanley.

This year, eight charities will be befitting from the goat races.

“The support we have received from the goat races over the years has really helped us build up the school and provide the local community with a quality kindergarten and primary school education option,” says Wilfred Muhogolo, of St. Paul’s English Medium Primary School in Kibaigwa region, which previously received support.

With stalls, raffles, fancy dress competitions (the theme this year is ‘A Day at the Races’) and a kids area, there is more to this fun family event than just goats.

Tickets are 10,000 TSH for adults and 5000 TSH for children under 12.

Check out photos from last year’s event:

Editor’s note: Addition of paragraph 4 at 15:30 on Sept 7.