Two Ugandans arrived in the country to join 20 Malawians take part in an archery coaching training currently under way in Lilongwe.
The training, which is being facilitated by former archery world champion, Urte Paulus from Austria, is organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Archery Association of Malawi vice-president Charles Kapichi welcomed the trainees at around noon and went straight into business at Lilongwe Golf Club (LGC).
“We are privileged to be the centre of training and also to have our friends from Uganda. It demonstrates how rapid the sport of archery is growing in Africa. The training will now be more exciting and competitive as the local coaches have a yardstick to measure themselves,” said Kapichi.
In a related development, the IOC has bought complete archery equipment for graduates from the course. The equipment will be used for teaching archery across the country and also for competitions.
“This equipment is expensive and as an association, there was no way we could have managed to buy such equipment. We are very indebted to IOC for the donation and we’ll make great use of it,” said Kapichi.
The course has drawn people from diverse occupations such as police officers, teachers and librarians. Some have come from the boxing world and there is a significant number of female participants.
