Chilima hails ‘Be More’ Race
After mesmerising basketball fans with sublime skills a fortnight ago, Vice-President Saulos Chilima yesterday took part in the 21-kilometre (km) Standard Bank inaugural Be More race in Lilongwe.
Sporting a blue and white Adidas cap, a matching jersey complete with a black short, the Veep appeared relaxed as he joined more than 500 participants in the race from City Centre to Kumbali Lodge. He covered 10km.
Speaking in an interview, Chilima said it was a unique opportunity for him to be part of history where road meets nature in a race.
“It’s the first time not just in Malawi but across the continent where road meets nature in a race. So, it’s a unique opportunity for us to be part of history. As a fitness person, I like to exercise and this morning instead of exercising alone, I thought I should join other people and be part of the fun and also be part of history,” he said.
He encouraged Malawians to keep fit and maintain their health by nurturing themselves through regular exercise.
“You see, good health is also one’s wealth and so one has to invest in their own life, one has to invest in their own health. It is extremely important that as human beings we must invest in our bodies; God-given bodies, perhaps, are best assets and we must look after them to ensure that we live long.”
The Veep was joined by other high-profile figures, including Minister of Labour, Youth Sports and Manpower Development Francis Kasaila ( 21km), Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu ( 10km), Lilongwe City mayor Desmond Bikoko, academician Professor Emmanuel Kaunda and Standard Bank chief executive officer Andrew Mashanda.
The race was organised to raise funds for Keeping the Girl Child in School while promoting wellness
Ndacha Mcherenje and Nalise Chirwa won the men and women’s races, respectively and they received K1.325 million each.
Chancy Master and Gervazio Mpani were second and third, respectively in the men’s category while Doris Fisher and Ellen Nyoka were runner-up and third in women’s category.
Runners-up got K850 000 each while those that came third went away with K500 000 each.
The race was split into three key legs of 5km, 10km and 21km for both men and women and also children above the age of 12. n
