The founder and director of the Zanzibar Cup, Italian medical Dr. Stefano Conte, spoke to Vatican News/Vatican Radio recently about the vision and key developments for the fifth edition of the international kitesurfing event, which will take place on 7 February 2026 in Zanzibar. Established in February 2024, the Zanzibar Cup has grown steadily and is now held twice per year, attracting athletes from different countries and backgrounds. The event features both a kitesurf regatta (race) and a freestyle competition, focused on aerial jumps and technical performance.

One of the most significant innovations for the 2026 edition is the introduction of television coverage. Azam TV / Azam Sport TV, the leading sports television network in Tanzania, is expected to serve as a media partner, with the possibility of live broadcasting of the event finals. The coverage may also be redistributed through other sports channels in Europe, representing an important step forward in expanding the international visibility and recognition of the Zanzibar Cup.

Kitesurfing building fraternity

Beyond its sporting dimension, Dr. Conte emphasized the social, cultural, and humanitarian mission of the event. One of its core objectives is to promote the development of kitesurfing and kitesurf tourism in Zanzibar and across East Africa. At the same time, the Zanzibar Cup seeks to convey a strong message of peace, brotherhood, and coexistence, particularly in a global context marked by conflict and social division. According to Dr. Conte, the event demonstrates that people from different nationalities, cultures, and religions can come together harmoniously through sport, sharing a simple lifestyle centered on respect, loyalty, and mutual understanding.

Dr. Conte also highlighted his personal commitment to spreading this message beyond the competition itself, noting that the event serves as a platform to amplify values of solidarity and human dignity. He described sport as a powerful tool for unity and as a counterpoint to violence, exploitation, and excessive materialism, emphasizing that the lasting value of human life lies in the positive example one leaves behind.

Thanks to local and international partners 

Speaking to Vatican News, he expressed his gratitude to the Zanzibar authorities for their continued institutional support, particularly in relation to prizes for the athletes, as well as to the many sponsors and hospitality partners contributing to the organization of the event. Numerous hotels, tourism operators, and companies are supporting the Zanzibar Cup by providing financial assistance, accommodation for international professional athletes, and venues for official ceremonies, including the awards ceremony and closing celebration. 

In conclusion, Dr. Conte thanked Radio Vatican for the opportunity to present the event to an international audience and invited athletes and enthusiasts to participate. He reminded listeners and readers that registration for the Zanzibar Cup 2026 closes on 6 January 2026, expressing his hope to welcome participants and spectators to Zanzibar for what he described as a celebration of sport, unity, and shared human values. By Vatican News