By Llywellenie Mpasa:
Malawi’s athletes put up outstanding performances at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, to clinch an impressive nine medals.
The athletes won five gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the global showpiece.
Victor Chikuse lifted gold in the men’s 100 metres (m) swimming freestyle while Melisa Phapa and Caroline Mogra triumphed in the Bocce ball women’s doubles with Frank Chikolopiko also lifting gold in the Bocce men’s singles.
Patrick Sichamba secured Malawi’s fourth gold medal in the men’s tennis singles whereas the fifth gold came from the mixed doubles team of Sichamba and Hannah Winesi.
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There were two silver medals which Malawi won in the 200m and 100m athletics categories through Emmanuel Banda while medals in the 50m backstroke swimming and Bocce women’s singles. Naomi Fatchi clinched bronze
The athletes returned home on Tuesday afternoon through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre and were accorded a warm welcome by Malawi National Council of Sports officials who treated them to a sumptuous meal at Malawi Sun Hotel.
The 14-member Team Malawi showcased exceptional skill to outclass competitors from different countries across the world at a competition that had over 7,000 athletes from 190 countries.
Phapa, 22, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete on the global stage and learn.
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“We remain determined to build on our success in future competitions. We had an amazing time in Germany and we believe that achieving more success is possible in upcoming events,” she said.
Special Olympics Malawi National Director, Enid Mauluka, who was Malawi’s leader of delegation, described the athletes’ performance as remarkable.
“Despite having only a day of preparations before departing, the team showcased great talent and resilience. This is quite commendable and encouraging. Given more time for training, perhaps a minimum of two weeks in a camp, we are confident that the team could have achieved even more,” Mauluka said.
Sports Council Board member Hellen Mpinganjira-Tasosa commended the athletes for their outstanding achievements.
“Winning nine medals is an exceptional feat and a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication and remarkable talent. These athletes have not only made the natrion proud but also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance on a global scale,” Mpinganjira-Tasosa said.
Special Olympics serves as a platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their skills while promoting inclusivity and acceptance worldwide.
