The sight of elevenyearold Memory Chauluka powering her way to the finish line and winning the 3000m championship, with Maria Mutola-like resilience, climaxed Malawi's commemoration of the IAAF World Athletics Day 2005 on Saturday (7 May).
Chauluka, who finished the race in 10:48 minutes, was among the estimated 400 youngsters, who thronged Chirunga Stadium in Malawi's old Capital, Zomba, to participate in the national youth championship that was part of the activities marking the day.
Other events during the commemoration, that drew school children from all the six educational divisions of the Southern Africa country, were Javelin, Discus and Sprints.
In his official speech marking the day, Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) General Secretary, Haxon Chapasa, thanked dairy products manufacturing company, Dairibord Malawi for sponsoring activities to the tune of $5000.
Chapasa said they decided to include the youth championship on the day's events because it is meant to encourage youngsters to participate in athletics.
The youth championship helped (AAM) to identify players who will participate in the Southern Africa Youth championships scheduled for Pretoria, South Africa on 5 - 6 June.
Athletics has been a fast growing sport in the predominantly soccer loving nation since the first emergence four years ago on the international 5000 metres scene of the women's 2004 World Junior silver medallist, Catherine Chikwakwa.
