Let every child play, MOC challenges schools

No child should be left watching from the sidelines because of a disability. The Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) has challenged schools to make sports inclusive so every learner has a chance to take part and thrive.

Speaking during Olympic Day celebrations at Chiwanja Ground in Mzimba on Saturday, MOC urged both primary and secondary schools to prioritise inclusive sports, saying learners with special needs deserve the same opportunities to participate in sporting activities as everyone else.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi24, MOC Board Member James Kaunda said schools play a vital role in identifying and nurturing sporting talent from an early age. He stressed that creating inclusive sporting environments not only helps discover future athletes but also builds confidence, fosters teamwork, and promotes equal opportunities for every learner, regardless of ability.

“Schools are where talent is first identified and developed. It is therefore important that every child, including those with disabilities, is given the opportunity to participate in sports and realise their full potential,” said Kaunda.

Olympic Day celebrations at Chiwanja Ground in Mzimba

He added that inclusive sports contribute to the holistic development of children by improving their physical fitness, enhancing social interaction, and boosting self-esteem.

Mzimba South Sports Officer Idah Ng’ambi told this publication that the district remains committed to promoting Special Olympics programmes through close collaboration with schools and local communities.

Ng’ambi said the initiative aims to increase participation among people with disabilities while encouraging communities to embrace inclusion through sport.

“We will continue working with schools and communities to ensure that more learners with disabilities participate in sporting activities because everyone deserves the opportunity to benefit from sports,” she said.

The Olympic Day celebrations attracted learners from 10 schools across Mzimba District, who participated in a variety of activities, including jogging, aerobics, and football matches, all aimed at promoting physical fitness, healthy living, and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

The annual event also served as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of regular physical activity while encouraging greater inclusion in sports at both the school and community levels.

No child should be left watching from the sidelines because of a disability. The Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) has challenged schools to make sports inclusive so every learner has a chance to take part and thrive.

Speaking during Olympic Day celebrations at Chiwanja Ground in Mzimba on Saturday, MOC urged both primary and secondary schools to prioritise inclusive sports, saying learners with special needs deserve the same opportunities to participate in sporting activities as everyone else.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi24, MOC Board Member James Kaunda said schools play a vital role in identifying and nurturing sporting talent from an early age. He stressed that creating inclusive sporting environments not only helps discover future athletes but also builds confidence, fosters teamwork, and promotes equal opportunities for every learner, regardless of ability.

Ng’ambi challenge schools

“Schools are where talent is first identified and developed. It is therefore important that every child, including those with disabilities, is given the opportunity to participate in sports and realise their full potential,” said Kaunda.

He added that inclusive sports contribute to the holistic development of children by improving their physical fitness, enhancing social interaction, and boosting self-esteem.

Mzimba South Sports Officer Idah Ng’ambi told this publication that the district remains committed to promoting Special Olympics programmes through close collaboration with schools and local communities.

Ng’ambi said the initiative aims to increase participation among people with disabilities while encouraging communities to embrace inclusion through sport.

“We will continue working with schools and communities to ensure that more learners with disabilities participate in sporting activities because everyone deserves the opportunity to benefit from sports,” she said.

The Olympic Day celebrations attracted learners from 10 schools across Mzimba District, who participated in a variety of activities, including jogging, aerobics, and football matches, all aimed at promoting physical fitness, healthy living, and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

The annual event also served as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of regular physical activity while encouraging greater inclusion in sports at both the school and community levels.