By Tamala Kamanga
Malawi Olympic Committee Secretary General, Henry Sakala, has expressed optimism that more young people will take up Olympic games both for professional aspect and physical wellbeing.
He made the remarks Saturday at Dowa community ground when Malawi commemorated the Olympic Day in the district.
Sakala said the commemorations exposed many young people to various Olympic sports disciplines which he said would motivate young people pick up sports.
“As a committee, we are committed in improvement of Olympic games both at national and international level, and we are very happy that many people participated in the commemorations and we hope some, especially young ones, will consider Olympic careers.
“But our call is for all people to participate in sports because sports can promote good health among all Malawians. By maintaining healthy bodies, we can help improve our economy by saving the money that would otherwise be spent on purchasing medication,” he said.
The Olympic Day is annually commemorated on June 24, and this year’s celebrations were held in Dowa.
Various people from all walks of life gathered at the ground and the commemoration started with a 5 kilometer fun run.
The run attracted enthusiastic children from various schools, members of the community, and officials from different departments of the Council.
After the run, the ground buzzed with sports activities, set up for everyone to try different sports.
“We are extremely happy that people in Dowa actively participating in the activities, including school going children.
“And most importantly that people who had not participated in sports before had a chance to explore different sports which we hope they will continue to do to improve their physical wellness,” said Sakala.
Chief Administrative Officer for Dowa district council, Mathews Mkandawire, expressed gratitude that this years’ Olympics Day commemorations were held in Dowa, which he said would contribute in increasing awareness on Olympics in Dowa.
Mkandawire emphasized the district’s commitment to fostering strong collaboration between sports officers and sports teachers in schools, to ensure students actively participate in a wide range of Olympic activities.
“As a district, we are committed to ensuring that Olympic activities are promoted in our schools, and encourage learners to participate in various sports and choose their preferred disciplines. We believe this will put the district on the map as far as Olympic games are concerned,” said Mkandawire.
One of the participating students from Success Academy, Atupele Awalu, said holding the commemorations in Dowa has highly inspired many to join sports.
“Many young people often hide their talents, thinking they cannot make a life out of their talents. However, this commemoration day has inspired and motivated us young people, that we can achieve great things through sports,” said Awalu.
