Malawi Schools Sports Association-MASSA, Set to Launch First-Ever Swimming Initiative

Nkhata Bay, Malawi-The Malawi Schools Sports Association (MASSA) says it is pleased with the preparations for the launch of a first-of-its-kind swimming initiative, scheduled to take place at Chintheche Sunbird in Nkhata-Bay on Saturday, May 13, 2023, writes Happy Valirani.

The initiative aims to promote swimming in the country and is expected to showcase the swimming skills of children from seven schools in seven different districts.

In an interview with AfricaBrief, MASSA’s President, Blackson Malamula, expressed his excitement about the launch of the initiative, commenting that it would help take swimming to the next level in Malawi: “We are very happy with this initiative as it will help to promote the swimming sport to another level. There are a number of boys and girls who have skills in swimming; hence, this is an opportunity to unearth the talent.”

Malamula further stated that preparations are going well: “We are ready for the event on Saturday at Chintheche. We have seven clubs from seven districts who are coming to showcase tomorrow during the launch."

He explained that MASSA has put systems in place to monitor the progress of the children who will be identified: “We have put a system in place that will help to keep the data of every child identified, and these children are going to be monitored by their teachers in their respective schools."

When asked about the outcome of the initiative, Malamula stated that the public should expect great things: “In the next three years, people will start seeing the fruits as these children will be nurtured well... I should assure Malawians that very soon we will start seeing the fruits.”

The president added that the initiative would involve teaching the children swimming skills so that they could compete at an international level.

The event is expected to be attended by officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, officials from the Ministry of Education, and officials from the Malawi National Sports Council.

The programme will also feature traditional dances such as malipenga among others.

The launch of the swimming initiative is set to mark an important step for MASSA and the country in promoting water sports and unearthing swimming talent.