UTM pledges incentives for sports investors

UTM Party has pledged to offer incentives to institutions that invest in sports through infrastructure development and sponsorship agreements should it form the next government after the May 21 Tripartite Elections.

In its manifesto launched in Dowa on Saturday, UTM also pledges accountability and transparency as well as eradicating corruption in sports.

The party also says it will ensure that sports training “is of international standards by appointing suitable coaches, training sports personnel and upgrading the skills of existing coaches”.

UTM, which is led by the country’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima, also promises to improve sports infrastructure and facilities in schools, colleges and public universities.

“UTM also commits to rehabilitation of dilapidated sports infrastructure in all districts. Further, UTM commits to construction of new sports facilities in all districts, especially stadia,” reads part of the manifesto under sports.

And speaking during the manifesto launch, the party’s president, Chilima, said they will ensure that the youth excel in sports.

“We are not only talking about football, but also basketball, netball, tennis, golf and other sporting disciplines and the portfolios of sports and youth will be under me.

“We should create a conducive environment to enable our youths excel in sports. God did not say that our players cannot play in the English Premiership, Spanish La Liga, French Ligue One, German Bundesliga or Italian Serie A,” he said.

In its manifesto launched on March 9, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) dwelt on netball infrastructure development, pledging to construct a state-of-the-art netball complex capable of hosting international competitions.

‘[This will be done] to fast-track our 10-year goal to become number one netballing country in the world,” reads part of the manifesto under social development.