Dairibord Malawi and the Malawi National Council of Sports on Thursday made a timely boost to Saturday’s Ching’ombe National Marathon by pumping in an extra K1.1 million (about $3 235) for the event.
Dairibord, who are the main sponsors of the competition flushed out K400 000 (about $1 176) more to their initial K2.3 million (about $6 764) pledge while council has pumped in K700 000 (about $2 058).
The extra funds were given out following a meeting which council called yesterday with Athletics Association of Malawi and Dairibord to seek clarification on why they should support the event when it is fully sponsored.
This was after it transpired that the initial sum from Dairibord would only cater for prizes and administration and there was shortage for accommodation and transport for the athletes.
“I can confirm now that we have resolved the issue and both parties have pledged to fund the event.
“This is an important event as it is the major competition and the last in our 2012/2013 calendar; hence, we could not afford to cancel it. So, all is set for the big day at Kamuzu Institute of Sports,” said AAM president Godfrey Phiri.
The competition is expected to attract about 200 athletes with the Malawi Defence Force and the Malawi Police Service set to dominate.
Men’s defending champion Cephas Kesten is the athlete to watch.
