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| Tae-Young Kim (L) James Chiutsi (C) & Wiza Msowoya (R) clap hands after launching the Malawi Para Games emblem |
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
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| Chiutsi: we are using the games to fight stigma |
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.
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| Powerlifting athletes showcasing their skills |
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| This is what we do |
“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
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| Visual imparement Chess players will be playing during the games |
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.
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| Chiutsi and Kim shaking hands after unveiling the sponsorship |
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.”
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| Kim: Personally, I like sports |
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.
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| Wiza Msowoya: We are happy |
“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’s 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.
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| Kumwenda: hailed partnership with MPC |
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.
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| MPC officials taking group photo with athletes stakeholders after launching Malawi Para Games and unveiling the sponsor |
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| Para-athletes to take part in the games |
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