Sports codes in afforestation drive

Heads of sports associations from various sports codes last Saturday gathered at the Kamuzu Institute for Sports (KIS) from as early as 8am braving the wet weather to plant trees as part of the afforestation initiative from Sports and Environment Committee (SEC).

The personalities included Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) treasurer Henry Sakala, MOC administrative officer Naomi Chinatu, Handball Association of Malawi general secretary Dennis Kumwenda, Athletics Association of Malawi general secretary Frank Chitembeya and James Jam from Squash Malawi.

SEC chairperson Jimmy Kawaye said the committee was created by International Olympic Committee (IOC)  to preserve the environment.

He said: “Athletes consume a lot of oxygen than any other person as such they need to be in the forefront in preserving the environment through planting of trees and other interventions.  We have sourced 3000 trees from Act Alliance which is under Christian Aid. Today we have mobilised heads of sports association to be planting trees.”

Kawaye said apart from planting trees, his committee will buy waste bins and place them around busy sports venues across the country.

“During sports activities there is a lot of littering and we need to find proper disposal places,” said Kawaye.

On his part Kumwenda said they support the afforestation initiative.

“My presence and that of officials from my association is to support this programme.  We are in full agreement with the afforestation project. The State President last year launched the tree planting project. As sports figures we need to do our part too,” said Kumwenda.

Chinatu from MOC said sports personalities including athletes should utilise the rainy season to plant as many trees as possible.

“We have been blessed with good rains and we need to plant as many trees as possible to preserve our environment and at the same time conserve soil to avoid siltation,” she said. n