By Prosper Kanyade Balirani

President Lazarus Chakwera on Monday hosted 169 athletes at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe ahead of their departure to Namibia for the 2025 Region 5 Youth Games, scheduled to take place from July 4 to 13, 2025.

In his send-off speech, President Chakwera emphasized the importance of diligence, discipline, and national pride.

He encouraged the young athletes to represent Malawi with honour and integrity.

As a gesture of support and motivation, the President presented each athlete with a K50,000 token.

The athletes will compete in various disciplines including volleyball, judo, netball, tennis, and Special Olympics events, among others.

Participating countries in this year’s Region 5 Youth Games include Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), South Africa, and Malawi, which hosted the 11th edition of the Games in December 2022.