Richard Banda donates K3m for Olympic preps
The First Gentleman retired Chief Justice Richard Banda has donated K3 million (about $12 000) to the Malawi Olympic Committee towards preparations for the Malawi team for the London 2012 Olympic Games next month.
Banda donated the money on Wednesday in Lilongwe after he failed to attend MOC’s dinner and dance on Friday in Blantyre.
State House press officer Steven Nhlane said Banda made the donation out of his passion for athletics and sports in general.
“His Excellency Richard Banda want to see Malawian athletes doing well at the London Games and took his own money to make the donation,” said Nhlane.
MOC treasurer general Jappie Mhango said the association is delighted with the donation.
“He loves sports and people should know that he is the longest serving MOC president having been at the helm of the association for 15 years and he knows the importance of Olympic Games. We hope the private sector will emulate the example,” said Mhango.
MOC has a budget of K23 million (about $92 000) for the games.
“We are yet to consolidate all the pledges made during the dinner dance to see how much we have raised so far,” said Mhango.
Meanwhile, MOC hosts an Olympic Open Day in Nkhotakota on Saturday.
This is a day set aside by the International Olympic Committee for activities in honour of Olympiasm worldwide.
