By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) marked a significant milestone on October 20, 2023, by entering into a lucrative partnership with K2 Transformers and Motors, a company specializing in the repair, servicing, and manufacturing of transformers, located in Area 29, Lilongwe.
As part of the partnership, K2 Transformers has provided the Para games body with MK10 million, which will support administration and athlete preparation for tournaments.
In addition, K2 Transformers has generously offered office space, a hostel capable of accommodating 30 athletes, and a training facility in Area 10.
The President of K2 Transformers and Motors, Teayoung Kim Junior, who hails from Korea, highlighted the challenges faced by disabled individuals worldwide and emphasized the importance of supporting them.
“Disabled people are the ones who need help the most. That’s why I reached out to MPC to provide support. They are nice and honest people, which is why I decided to make this gesture.
“With this agreement, I believe we will build a strong brand and expand our market, as we currently sell mainly in Malawi and Korea,” Kim stated.
As a sports enthusiast, Kim mentioned the possibility of extending support to other sports disciplines in the future. However, for now, the focus is on Paralympic sports.
“The athletes will have a place to stay and enjoy nutritious food right here. Food is essential for athletes, but it can be challenging for some to access.
“Lastly, I urge the MPC committee to encourage the athletes to work hard and stay dedicated to their training,” Kim added.
James Chiutsi, the President of the Malawi Paralympic Committee, hailed the partnership as a crucial step in advancing disability sports in the country.
“The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has several key components, including an annual contribution of MK10 million, a training center generously built by K2 Transformers for our preparations, along hostels to accommodate athletes. The company has also provided us with an office, which is a significant development. Most associations operate from briefcases, but we now have a home.
“As an association, we have formulated strategies to protect the image of the sponsor and market their products, even though during our discussions, there was no mention of direct benefits for them. We have often gone to tournaments without proper preparations due to a lack of training equipment. With this support, our athletes will have ample time to prepare,” Chiutsi stated.
The Malawi Paralympic Committee also revealed that their athletes will participate in major tournaments in Egypt, France, Paris, and South Africa, starting at the end of this month and extending into the year 2024.
