Athletics body tears into govt
by Garry Chirwa, 20 January 2006 -
The Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) on Thursday accused government of not helping it in its preparations for the forthcoming 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games instead of focusing its attention on wrong priorities.
AAM’s general secretary Haxon Chapasa said, while his association expected government to be concerned with the plight of athletes who are preparing for the big festival, it was sad to note that it is only concerned about the inclusion of famed long distance athlete Catherine Chikwakwa.
“We expected government to be concerned with the plight of our athletes who are preparing for the Commonwealth Games under very pathetic conditions. They are staying in a house that leaks and worse still, it has no electricity. But it seems all what government is interested in is the inclusion of Catherine.
“So far, we have only received K87,000 from Ocgam for preparations, which is far less than the required K250,000. Some of the athletes are staying in a dilapidated house and yet government has done nothing about it,” said Chapasa.
He said due to the financial constraints, his association has further trimmed the squad from six to four. The four are Susan Tengatenga, Nancy Matanda, Kondwani Chawina and Mike Tebulo. Chancy Master and Lucia Chandamale have been dropped.
“But Master is still training with the others,” he said.
Chapasa said for the athletes to do well, they need to be prepared both technically and psychologically.
But Sports Council executive secretary George Jana brushed aside AAM’s claims, saying it has never brought its problems to government’s attention.
“I don’t understand what they are talking about because if they knew that they would need money for the Commonwealth Games preparations, then they would have included it in their budget for consideration. Unless they are looking for special funding, which again has not been brought to our attention,” said Jana.
The Council boss also expressed surprise as to why AAM committed itself to participating in the games when it did not have enough resources.
“Why engage in something when you are not assured of funding?” Wondered Jana.
On Chikwakwa, the Council boss said: “I don’t know why they are twisting the issue. The minister did not say that Chikwakwa should be included automatically. What he said was that she should be given a chance. If she does well, then she has to go, if she fails she won’t travel, simple!”
But Chapasa countered: “It is not true for Mr Jana to say that we have not brought the issue of funding to government’s attention. The normal procedure is that Commonwealth Games are funded by Ocgam and if there is any shortfall, government is supposed to come in.
“And the issue of shortfall for preps was brought to government through Ocgam but government has not done anything,” said Chapasa