Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) has sprung into action, outlining two corporate sports festival events to fundraise for Malawi Under-21 National Netball Team assignments and the association’s operations, amid lack of adequate funding.
Nam has a budget of over K700 million, catering for the association’s operations and activities for both senior and junior Queens sides.
The association intends to hold a corporate sports festival at Blantyre Youth Centre on August 24 and a similar event in Lilongwe on September 7 in its quest to raise K50 million.
Nam Vice President Lumbani Mtonyo said they would engage the corporate world in their bid to complement the government’s efforts in developing the game.
“This tournament will enable corporate teams to compete and will offer a fantastic opportunity for companies, businesses and individuals to market their products,” Mtonyo, who is the fundraising committee chairperson, said.
During the corporate sports festival, participating teams would pay K200,000 to compete in events such as football, netball and volleyball, with K50,000 catering for cycling.
Mtonyo said it was important to fundraise as the Queens have been putting Malawi on the map while the junior Queens qualified for 2025 Netball World Youth Cup finals slated for Gibraltar.
“Netball is a game which has made Malawi as one of the global giants for over 25 years. The Queens are one of the most invited national netball teams in the world to participate in top seeded tournaments. However, despite the great achievement netball has earned for the nation, the investment and support it gets is on the lower side than other sporting activities.
“Our under 21 side needs funds for preparing for Netball Youth World Cup finals. Several activities have been lined up as part of preparations for the Junior Queens which include Spar Proteas Test Series, Test Matches with senior and men’s teams, Quad Series and local camping,” she said.
Mtonyo said the plans would enable the junior Queens to be in shape before the world showpiece and also rebuild the senior side.
“Nam intends to reorganise and recruit for positions in the secretariat and ensure appropriate operations to support the activities of netball, including communications and marketing. This will ensure that all activities of the associations are supported by a robust secretariat,” Mtonyo said.
Malawi National Council of Sports Chief Executive Officer Henry Kamata commended Nam for embarking on the initiative but encouraged the association to secure long term partnerships.
“First and foremost we need to appreciate that government funding is meant to kick start sport initiatives in the country, however over reliance on government funding is not sustainable.
“Partnerships and sponsorships from the corporate world and other institutions are important if we are to develop our sport. The initiative by Netball Association of Malawi to organise fundraising activities is very commendable however I would appeal to the corporate world for long-term partnerships with our sports associations,” Kamata said.
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