National Sports

FAM dedicates Charity Shield to persons with albinism

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has partnered Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) to dedicate next month’s FAM Charity Shield to the protection and advocacy against the brutal killings, abductions and persecution of people with albinism.

The two-day annual competition is scheduled for March 30 and 31 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Bullets celebrate winning the Charity Shield last season

FAM commercial and marketing director Limbani Matola and Apam chairperson Overstone Kondowe yesterday said they believe that football, being the most popular sport in the country, can be an effective platform for generating funds and spreading messages about the security concerns of people with albinism.

He said: “Football is a powerful tool in the fight against social ills and we are proud to dedicate the forthcoming event to ensuring the security of our brothers with albinism. These people are human beings too and they deserve to live just like everyone else.”

Matola said prior and during the competition, there will be banners and placards with messages about the need for the public to join forces in the fight against the malaise.

On his part, Kondowe said they also hope that they would raise meaningful amount of money from gate revenue to contribute to Apam’s K50 million budget for enhancing the security of homes for people with albinism.

 “We are happy that FAM has committed the gate collection from the imminent Charity Shield to us. We would use the money to fortify houses of our members and buy alarms that can be used to alert communities whenever a person with albinism is in danger,” he said.

He pleaded with the corporate world and other well-wishers to financially support the Charity Shield, whose operation budget is at least K28 million, so that people with albinism can generate enough funds for their cause.

In 2019, five cases of people with albinism being abducted or killed for rituals have been registered.

The Charity Shield, which will involve TNM Super League Champions Nyasa Big Bullets, Fisd Challenge Cup winners Be Forward Wanderers, Airtel Top 8 Tournament champions Blue Eagles and Carlsberg Cup victors Masters Security FC, mobilises football fans and the general public towards a charitable cause of national significance.

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