Schools offered African Athletics Championships’ slots
Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) has given secondary schools a nod to incorporate their students into the squad that will represent Malawi at the inaugural Under-18 African Youth Championships.
The competition is scheduled to take place in Wali, Nigeria, next month.
According to AAM general secretary Frank Chitembeya, the offer will be valid only if schools contribute at least K80 000 (about $235) for each student’s return air ticket.
“But the schools should make sure they choose the best athletes so that Malawi can shine at the competition. We have made this offer because we need to travel with at least 16 athletes to this event, but we do not have enough funds,” he said.
Chitembeya added that the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has offered free food and accommodation for the athletes, but they would pay for air tickets for only two local athletes.
“Apart from helping local schools to expose their talents on the international arena, this offer is also meant to take athletics back to the roots where schools were the hub of the sport,” explained Chitembeya.
He said the deadline for the schools to make a commitment towards the offer is January 31.
Once the squad is complete, the athletes will have a two-week camp training before their departure for Nigeria.
