Malawi only Africa country with no synthetic track
International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) has renewed its commitment to offer Malawi synthetic track after it was observed that it is the only country in Africa without the facility.
Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) president Godfrey Phiri said on arrival last week from Moscow, Russia where Malawi’s Grevazio Mpani participated in 5,000m.
Phiri said following a meeting he had with IAAF Development Manager Jee Islam the world athletics governing body would grant US$160,000 to Malawi for the project if the government would offer land to install the synthetic track.
“When IAAF found out that Malawi is the only country without synthetic track they assured us that if there is an agreement with the government for the place the money is available even today,” Phiri said.
He said the synthetic track would transform the standards of athletics in the country.
“It’s unfortunate that we are the only country in Africa who has no synthetic track which limits us to host international competitions,” he said.
“We can only host road race and cross country competitions but not track and field events.”
The AAM boss said Malawi National Council of Sports had advised them to propose to the government with backup documentation.
He also acknowledged the effort of his predecessor Richard Nyirongo’s adminstration who had pushed for Malawi to be awarded the project.
