Malawi First Gentleman given Olympic’s top award
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) which is the world’s biggest sports controlling body has awarded Malawi’s First Gentleman, retired Chief Justice Richard Banda a “150th anniversary of Pierre de Coubertin sport as a school of life” trophy.
Banda, who is an honorary MOC member, received the top award on Tuesday at Kamuzu Palace in recognition of his contribution to domestic sports for over 30 years as a former runner, footballer and MOC chairperson.
Presented on annual basis, the Pierre de Coubertin Award is given to individuals demonstrating values that are consistent with the Olympic Movement. It is named after French national Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of modern Olympic Games.
At the 150 Anniversary of the birth of the founder of modern Olympics, it has pleased the Malawi Olympic Committee (Moc) through the IOC to recognize the efforts done by Malawi’s First Gentleman in promoting the Olympic Movement.
The retired Chief Justice, who is an honorary member for the national Olympic committee served in the Moc board- then Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association of Malawi (Ocgam) for about 16 years.
After his association with Ocgam as well as other IOC organs both at continental and global level, he has been offering financial assistance to the Moc and other local sports bodies including boxing.
Moc vice president Flora Mwandira presented the award on behalf of the Olympic body in the presence of other executive board members.
Apart from the Baron Coubertin award, Banda was also presented with the Olympic Wreath in commemoration of the just ended Mini “Olympic” Games in Lilongwe.
All this, according to Moc is in recognition of his constant contribution, support and development of the Olympic Movement in Malawi.
During the function, the First Gentleman made a personal donation of MK1 million towards the just-ended Mini “Olympic” Games.
Mwandira expressed her committee’s gratitude for the gesture from the First Gentleman, describing the donation as timely. She said the money would go a long way in offsetting some expenses incurred during the games.
Banda reportedly expressed his appreciation for the awards and recognition, saying he was humbled by the developments.
