Malawi mini Olympic Games start in Lilongwe
Malawi’s first ever mini Olympic games have kicked off in the capital city Lilongwe with a total of 179 athletes battling in different sports discipline.
The games will run from November 21 to 23 saw the opening ceremony attended by handful of sports personalities from various sports discipline.
The games, a replica of the main Olympic event have been organized by Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) to give Malawians a chance to watch the games and to prepare athletes in readiness for the 2016 Olympic Games
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at Civo stadium, minister of Youth development and sports, Enock Chihana said the games offers hope that Malawian athletes will shine in future Olympic Games.
Section of athletes carrying placards during the opening ceremony
“As government, we appreciate the role of MOC in the development of sports, we believe that the games will help athletes to prepare for the next main Olympic games,” he said.
Chihana said government is in the process of revamping athletics day in schools with aim of exposing talent to represent Malawi at such events.
MOC president, Oscar Kanjala said the games have been organized as one strategic objective to achieve improved performances of athletes.
“The games have been designed to enhance Olympic value and as one way to improve performances of athletes during the main Olympic games. In the past Malawian athletes have always failed to shine during the games but it is our hope that with good preparations we will be able to shine in the future games ” said Kanjala.
Chairperson of the organizing committee, James Mwenda commended individuals and companies for sponsoring the event.
“It has been tiresome job to organize the event, we have learnt a lot of things being the first mini Olympic Games to be organized in the country and next year will improve on some of the areas. We also want to thank various companies and individuals for making this event possible,” added Mwenda.
A total of 179 athletes from different seven sports discipline namely, athletics, boxing, judo, table tennis, netball, weightlifting and cycling are expected to compete in their respective disciplines.
The opening ceremony was spiced up by various traditional dances ranging from GuleWankulu and Chisamba among others.
