Businessman Urges Investment in Grassroots Sports
Alex Chimwala made the appeal Friday during the finals of a K1 million football and netball tournament he organized for primary schools in Machinjiri, Blantyre.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — A Blantyre businessman called for increased investment in grassroots sports, describing it as crucial for Malawi's athletic development, writes Steven Godfrey Mkweteza.
Alex Chimwala made the appeal Friday during the finals of a K1 million football and netball tournament he organized for primary schools in Machinjiri, Blantyre.
"The country has many good and talented players at the grassroots level, such as in primary schools, but they are frustrated and demotivated due to poor financial and material support," Chimwala said.
He emphasized the importance of sports in school curricula for students' mental and physical growth.
Chrispin Matemba, chairperson for the Malawi Schools Sports Association's South Lunzu zone, praised Chimwala's initiative.
He noted the tournament has revealed promising young talent.
"We indeed have hidden talent in our primary schools that needs to be supported and promoted," Matemba said.
He criticized corporations for focusing solely on top leagues and politicians for only supporting youth during election campaigns.
In the tournament, Mthawila Primary School won the football championship with a 1-0 victory over Namilango Primary School.
Nkolokoti Primary School claimed the netball title, defeating South Lunzu Primary School 23-16.