Chuma to sponsor athletics tourney in Thyolo

Business magnate James Chuma, through his J and J Construction Company, has unveiled sponsorship of a first-ever athletics day for Thyolo on April 27.

Chuma, who also sponsors a K1.5 million (about $3 846) football league in the district, said he has decided to diversify and include athletics after noting that the district was producing top athletes at national level, yet there was no tournament to motivate the athletes.

“Thyolo and its neighbour district Mulanje have been producing top athletes at national events. But there are no events for them to be showcasing in their respective districts.

“We would like the people of Thyolo to appreciate the talent that we have in athletics, so we will have a big athletics day in April.

“We have already communicated to the athletics authorities in the country to help us with the organisation of the competition,” said Chuma.

Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) president Godfrey Phiri confirmed being in touch with Chuma on the competition.

“I have met him twice and referred the idea to the South Region Athletics Committee (SRAC) to help with the logistics.

“We commend Chuma for the initiative as such competitions will help unearth hidden talent from the grass roots.

“We would like to urge other companies and individuals to emulate Chuma’s gesture and come in to help us so that we have many developmental competitions at district level to supplement the few national events that we have,” said Phiri.

Chuma said the sponsorship amount will be disclosed at a news conference to be held this week.