Former British middle distance runner Dame Kelly Holmes will visit Malawi this month for a number of sporting and charitable events, the British High Commission in Lilongwe has said.
Holmes, who specialised in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events, won a gold medal for both distances at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
In a statement the High Commission issued on Wednesday, Holmes will, among others, travel to Blantyre to “deliver a motivational talk to a group of sports men and women on how to succeed on the global stage and promote minority sports”.
Holmes, who will be in the country from October 4 to 13, will also take on the Orbis 2018 Challenge, which involves “running at Mulanje Mountain, cycling across Zomba Plateau, and kayaking on Lake Malawi.”
She is also expected to work with a social impact company Orbis Expeditions in launching a campaign called Sport with a Purpose, which aims at raising awareness of key organisations working towards improving nutrition in the country.
British High Commissioner Holly Tett said the retired athlete’s trip will promote Malawi.
“We are really delighted to have the inspirational Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes in Malawi. Through her visit she will showcase Malawi as a premier destination for sports tourism to her large UK following,” she said.
“Holmes will also promote sporting links that have historically been strong between the UK and Malawi, including by meeting leaders of various sporting disciplines and sharing tips for succeeding in competitive sports.” n
