Malawi Commonwealth Games in conjunction with Malawi Olympic Committee (Moc) on Wednesday presented sewing machines to five athletes through the Game Changers project.
The project aims at preparing athletes for life after retirement.
The first cohort of the project underwent six-month tailoring training at Moc premises in Lilongwe.
At the end of the training, each athlete received a sewing machine and materials as starter packs.
The athletes also received certificates after successful completion of the training.
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Speaking at the end of the training, Moc president Jappie Mhango described the project as life-changing.
“We want to empower the athletes. So we are reaching out to them through this project so that we prepare them for life after their respective sports careers,’’ Mhango said.
He said the project was hatched after noting that most athletes become destitute at the end of their respective sports careers.
’’Our plan is to embark on other vocational trainings such as mechanics, spray painting and car driving courses among others. We want to give our athletes alternatives after they retire. Retirement from sports should not be the end of life,’’ Mhango said.
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Beneficiaries of the project were drawn from sporting codes such as taekwondo, judo, weightlifting and volleyball.
One of the beneficiaries, Triza Tears, hailed CGA for the assistance, saying the sewing machine she received will help her generate resources for supporting her family.
’’I really appreciate what Moc has done. My wish is that this project should benefit more athletes. My plan is to open a tailoring shop so that I start making money immediately,’’ Tears, who used to play judo, said.
Other retired athletes in the first cohort were Gift Lambulira (taekwondo), Mussa Milanzi (judo), Alinafe Mchochoma (weightlifting) and Raheem Saidi (volleyball).
