Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has joined well-wishers across the country in urging Malawians to vote for Malawi’s netball giant Mwawi Kumwenda for the International World Games Association (IWGA) 2015 Athlete of the Year Award.
Writing on his official Facebook page, Chakwera said Kumwenda deserved the nomination following her excellent performance at the World Netball Championship in New Zealand last year where she attained a 91 percent shots on target and was crowned the Player of the Tournament.
“Not only is this a cause for all Malawians of good will to smile, but an inspiration for each of us to look to the future with hope that our present individual efforts are contributing to a prosperous future for all of us as a nation.
“The fact that Mwawi is the only African among the 18 nominees from across the world means that she has so distinguished herself in the discipline of netball that her efforts are now being celebrated by people in other spheres of influence,” said Chakwera.
Chakwera said Mwawi’s nomination has raised the Malawian flag high.
“She has not reached this level by waiting for handouts, nor has she done it by giving excuses to justify a wait-and-see attitude towards her own future.
“This level of excellence demands the kind of self-discipline, self-development, and self-determination that refuses to accept the popular notion that there are heights other nations can reach that are impossible for us to scale. Like her, we must obliterate the word “impossible” from our mind-sets,” said Chakwera.
He added: “On a personal note, Mwawi, I want you to know that your achievement has made me proud to be Malawian. I congratulate you on your great and consistent performance!
“We know that it is tough on you to be away from your country and family, but we urge you to focus on the glory and honour that your exploits bestow on each and every Malawian and use it as a motivation to work even harder.”
He then urged Malawians to support Mwawi by voting for her.
The 26-year-old New Zealand-based Tactix player will battle it out against other nominees such as Ukrainian power lifting champion Larysa Soloviova, American athlete Regina Jaquess, Thai martial artist Vewart Comta, Danish athlete Vewart Comta, Colombian archer Sara Lopez, Dutch korfball star Mady Tims and American gymnast Laura Zeng.
Vote for Mwawi through this IWGA link http://www.theworldgames.org/…/…/24-athlete-of-the-year-2015
