Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) has released a calendar of events comprising 27 local and international competitions lined up for athletes.
In an interview yesterday, AAM general secretary Frank Chitembeya said they are hunting for K35 million to fulfil their 2020 mission which includes taking part at Tokyo Olympic Games, national track and field and the Africa Senior Championship.
He said they only implemented 30 percent of last years’ local tournaments due to lack of resources.
“On coaching programmes, we managed to fulfil 50 percent and the same percentage in international events participation. However, on competitions we did do well on road races,” said Chitembeya.
He expressed optimism that they will achieve more this year owing it to “effective fundraising initiatives.”
“A couple of well-wishers have pledged to support us so it is our expectation that we will achieve 80 percent of the planned domestic events. Achieving that would improve our athletes’ performances,” said Chitembeya.
Lilongwe-based long distance runner Kefasi Kasiteni has meanwhile asked the AAM to invest more in athletes training.
“We always struggle at international level because our preparations are poor. We lack resources to go to gym and camp in comfortable places. If they can focus more on that, I am sure our performance in competitions will be better,” he said.
Inside headline: AAM releases calendar of event.
