National Sports

Porters’ Race partners Save the Children, Lake of Stars

 

The annual Mount Mulanje Porters’ Race returns on July 9 with more excitement following the competition’s partnership with Save the Children and Lake of Stars, who will add flavour with children’s relay race and a concert respectively.

After the 25-kilometre porters’ race, which will be sponsored by NBS Bank, sets off at around 6am to take a rocky and hazardous route, the children’s relay race, dubbed ‘Race for Survival,’ will follow on a safer and shorter route before the ‘Island in the Sky’ concert hits the ground, according to Andrew Adkins, whose body Tourists Association of Mount Mulanje (Tamm) has organised the event.

Sukali (C) flanked by Adkins (R) and Nthakomwa
Sukali (C) flanked by Adkins (R) and Nthakomwa

During a news briefing at Palm Valley Lodge in Thyolo on Friday, Save the Children senior advocacy and communications manager Elvis Sukali said the children’s relay, to involve under-16 children from primary schools around Likhubula Valley, will act as a campaign moment for children to speak with one voice about their challenges as they grow up.

“We recognise that giving children space to talk about their issues empowers them to tell their stories. This is one such platform, where children speak for themselves and participate in a contest that symbolises that growing up should not be a race for survival,” Sukali said.

On his part, John Nthakomwa, Lake of Stars’ representative and director of Mibawa Events Management, said the ‘Island in the Sky’ concert, which will feature artists such as Bucci, Jacaranda School Band, the Floor Steppers and some deejays, will be an opportunity for families to relax and have fun after the race.

“In Malawi, we do not have many events that keep our families entertained. This will be a great opportunity for families to experience such a rare fun,” he said.

The Porter’s Race, which attracts contestants from countries such as England and South Africa, is an extreme athletics contest that challenges athletes to cross the finish line within three hours. It has been taking place annually since 1996.

 

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