US-based physical education (PE) expert Kalekeni Mtalika Banda, founder of Bola Banda Foundation, has donated sports equipment to 34 primary schools in Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu.
The equipment, comprising boots, jerseys and footballs, was sourced from well-wishers in the US.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Zolozolo Primary School ground in Mzuzu, Banda said they decided to reach out to four primary schools in Mzuzu to help more children.
He said they initiated the programme in primary schools to inculcate a sports culture among the youth.
“What is more important to me is that the children are given the resources to enjoy the game they love most. It is my hope that this donation will inspire them to pursue sports as a career,” Banda said.
The donation to Matope, Ching’ambo, Chiputula and Zolozolo Primary Schools targeted women football teams.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Zolozolo Primary School sports prefect, Mirriam Simeza, said the gift will promote women’s football development.
On her part, Northern Region sports development officer Georgina Msowoya urged learners in the country to take sports seriously because they can make a career out of it.
“Let the children play games apart from class work. Sports is a serious business. If you take it seriously, it can offer you with opportunities just as other white-collar jobs,” she said. n
