‘Team MW’, Malawi’s representation at the London Olympic games, gets down to business in their respective fields starting this Friday.

Team MW comprises Joyce Tafatatha, Mike Tebulo and Ambwene Simkonda, who is based in the United Kingdom.

Swimmer Tafatatha is participating in heat four, lane two, at 12 noon Malawi time on Friday.

Simukonda will be racing in the women’s 400 metres contest on Friday as well at 2pm Malawi time.

Long distance athlete Mike Tebulo will participate in the men’s marathon on Sunday, August 12 at 1pm Malawi time.

Sports Minister Enock Chihana told BBC that he was optimistic that Malawi was capable of winning a medal, especially in athletics and swimming.

Chihana, who also attended a sports ministers’ meeting at the games, said he would use the event to lobby for financial support for Malawi sports.

First gentleman Richard Banda, who is a former president of the Malawi Olympic Committee, donated K3 million to help the athletes in their preparation when he paid them a visit at the Olympic Village in London over the weekend.

Banda, a former track and field athlete, told international media that he made the donation because he had a passion and dedication for sports in the country.