Athletics Association of Malawi races confuse stakeholders
Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) decision to hold regional Presidential Initiative track and field championship onSaturday, May 17 has confused athletes and the officials alike.
AAM rescheduled the games from May 10 to 31 to give ample time to District Sports Officers to prepare athletes for the race.
Senior athlete Moses Kondowe and owner of Taula Athletics Club said he was confused with the arrangement having planned to send at least 12 athletes from the club.
But with the sudden changes on short notice they would send five athletes.
“We would have loved to send 12 athletes but with the changes on short notice we will not be able to meet financial costs to enable them to travel to Machinga Teachers Training College where the Southern Region will take place,” Kondowe said.
Francis Munthali, legendary athlete, who is also national athletics coach, said the events would be overshadowed by the May 20 Malawi’s Tripartite Elections.
Munthali said most of the officials and athletes from Police would not be able to participate because they would be on duty.
“The events will not be as competitive because Police and Malawi Defence Force officials and athlete would be busy with elections,” Munthali said.
AAM president Godfrey Phiri said the competition in all the regions would be open contrary to the previous events in which only youth athletes were eligible to participate.
