Malawi Lifts Sports Suspension After VP Chilima's Death
Chilima, 51, a prominent businessman before entering politics, was seen as an emerging force.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Malawi National Council of Sports has lifted its suspension of all sporting activities that was imposed following the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash on June 10, writes Martin Kamlaike.
The council's CEO, Henry Kamata, thanked sports associations for honoring the suspension in a statemen, saying "Your solidarity and support during this time of national grief have been invaluable."
But Kamata called on athletes and fans to continue honoring Chilima's memory "by embodying the spirit of peace, unity and excellence in our sporting activities" as competitions resume.
The council had halted all sports in Malawi to mourn Chilima and eight others killed when their aircraft went down in Chikangawa Forest in northern Malawi.
The group was returning to the capital, Lilongwe, from a development rally.
President Lazarus Chakwera declared 21 days of mourning after the crash of the small military plane, which was carrying Chilima, and eight others.
Chilima, 51, a prominent businessman before entering politics, was seen as an emerging force.
His burial drew thousands of mourners.