By Thomas Nyirongo
District Sports Officer (DSO) for Nkhata Bay, Ellen Sibande Ngwala, has encouraged teachers, students and surrounding communities in the district to actively engage in sports activities to promote talent development and improve physical fitness.
Ngwala made the remarks on Sunday at Makumbo Primary School during a sports festival organized by Nkhata Bay District Council aimed at boosting sports participation and help identify gifted learners and community members who can be nurtured into future athletes.
The event featured football, netball and athletics, with participating teams receiving balls and cash prizes according to their performance, while athletics winners in the top three positions also went home with cash prizes.
“We organised the event to promote and identify talent. Some students have great potential, but without activities like this, it becomes difficult to recognize them. It is through such programs that we are able to discover and support talent within our schools and communities,” she said.
Ngwala added that the council will continue extending similar sports festivals to other schools and communities across Nkhata Bay as part of its annual sports development plan.
Makumbo Zone Sports Chairperson, Nelson Chirwa, applauded the district council for the effort, saying the event has helped learners showcase their skills.
“We are very happy with this activity because it helps to uncover hidden talents,” he said.
He however asked the council to consider transport allocation to schools during such events so that learners do not miss out due to long distances.
Speaking on behalf of Makumbo Zone Primary School Education Advisor (PEA), Tereza Nkhata thanked the council for the support.
“We do not take this event for granted. Despite the long distance, the council came and we are ready to work with them in promoting sports in our zone,” she said.
The Makumbo Sports Festival involved five schools namely Makumbo Community Day Secondary School, Makumbo Primary School, Kajitila Primary, Kasani Primary and Changantole Primary School.
