Germany Embassy boosts Paralympics preparations
The Germany Embassy in Malawi on Tuesday donated soccer and basket balls to the Paralympics Association of Malawi.
The items were presented at a function held at Sports Council offices in Lilongwe.
Head of Mission at the Germany Embassy, Johannes Scharlau, handed over the items to the association’s president, Juma Mkandawire.
“When we got a request from the Paralympics, we did not hesitate to assist. We have the sport in Germany and we understand the challenges they face. They need specialised equipment. We hope through this assistance we can make a difference,” said Scharlau.
He said Germany has 650 000 Paralympic athletes and 150 of them participated at the 2012 London Olympics.
Mkandawire said the donation will assist in preparing for the 2014 Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland.
“We did send a request to all embassies in the country and we are happy that the German Embassy were the first to respond,” said Mkandawire.
He said unlike in the past, when they could send field and track athletes only, now they plan to send athletes to take part in basketball, football and other sports.
Principal sports officer in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Joseph Mazaza, commended the German government for the donation.
“This is not the first time you have helped sports associations in Malawi. Recently, you also donated to table tennis and basketball. We are grateful for your support as most of our associations are ill-equipped,” he said.
