The Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) has confirmed that the first ever Malawi Para Games will take place next week on July 27 in Lilongwe where over 100 athletes are expected to participate.
MPC president, James Chiutsi made the announcement during a press conference at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe where MPC also unveiled K2-Transformers Malawi as the official sponsor for the games.
“This is a moment we have been looking forward to. We have been doing the games for a number of years but it was always our wish that we make sure that we have managed to bring all sports course under Malawi Paralympic together. This will be the first time that we are doing that.” said Chiutsi
He disclosed that the games will be participated by various sporting disciplines including powerlifting, five-aside football, sitting volleyball, chess for visually impaired persons and para-athletics; such as throws and running.
According to Chiutsi, the inclusion of other sporting disciplines is an exciting development at MPC since the organization for a longtime been known for hosting athletics for visually impaired athletes.
“May be people always thought our association is about visually impaired athletes, but we are happy that this is a moment where we will be able to show the country and the world that now Malawi Paralympic is for all athletes regardless of whatever disability.” He said
Malawi Para Games will be hosted under the theme ‘Para Sport Against Stigma’ in order to promote inclusion of people with disability in all sporting activities.
“We know that in this country and across the globe, there is still a tendency where stigma exists towards people with disabilities, but we as Malawi Paralympic we are using the games to fight stigma. And, as a sport association, the best way we can do that is by encouraging sports. So, one of the best ways that we have done is to organize these games on 27 July. We believe that when the para-athletes have been seen, and when people have seen them, that consciousness in them will grow to say let us all support athletes with disabilities.” Explained the MPC president
He added that MPC has been running programs that promote inclusion which are bearing fruitful results as there are signs demonstrating that stigma is being fought.
“One of the things that we have done is, we have engaged the Ministry of Education and we ensured that as many teachers and students have been taught about inclusion because our understanding is that our sport cannot exist without inclusion.” Said Chiutsi
He added that advocacy on inclusion will help the association to register more new athletes as many children or learners with disability will be encouraged to participate in sporting activity of choice.
Sharing about the South Korean company which has been unveiled as the official sponsor for the games, Chiutsi said K2-Transformers Malawi is supporting the games happening next week and similar event happening in December this year.
“This is one of the best sponsorships an association can get.” He said then explained, “What we like about this sponsorship is that it goes beyond just provision of financial resources. K2-Transformers, are going to provide to us on what we will call; an athlete’s village. This is where all our athletes will be accommodated at a place in Area 10, and they will be provided with everything from food to technical support.”
He continued, “You are also aware that the Malawi Paralympic Committee will be sending athletes next year to Paris. K2-Transformers will again support that. All in all, K2-Transformers is supporting us in all aspects of sports regarding the athletes with disabilities. So, it’s a big win for us as Malawi Paralympic Committee.”
Managing Director for K2-Tranformers, Tae-Young Kim, said his company decided to provide support to MPC because of his love for sports.
“Personally, I like sports. Even in Korea, athletes live hard life except some famous stars. And here also, I think it is similar situation. So, I want to support sports, and the athletes who are a fundamental to the nation.” Said Kim
Kim assured that this is a long-term partnership with MPC which will help to transform lives of many para- athletes.
Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS), Regional Sports Officer for the Central Region Wiza Msowoya, commended K2-Transformers for coming in with such a big sponsorship during this time when companies are holding back support to the sports sector due to various challenges.
“We are happy for this sponsorship to MPC. We have always been calling for other stakeholders more especially sponsors to come in and support these games. Sponsoring sporting activities is not the responsibility of Government alone that is why we need more well-wishers and companies should take part in sponsoring sports associations. What is needed now is to ensure that we put our houses in order so that we attract more sponsors in all sports disciplines.” Explained Msowoya
He said besides working with MPC to ensure that it attracts sponsors, MNCS is also working with all stakeholders to ensure that the games scheduled for July 27 are a success.
Denis Kumwenda, District Education Sports Officer for Lilongwe Urban also hailed the good working relationship that exist between the education ministry and MPC which is helping more learners with disabilities to engage in various sporting activities.
He promised that all the schools under Lilongwe Urban will provide support towards the Malawi Para Games.
