By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

CALM has returned to the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) after the warring parties agreed to work together in the interest of developing the sport.
The Paralympics body was embroiled in wrangles after last year’s elective annual general meeting (AGM) which saw Sara Brotherton ushered in office as president with the losing candidate George Gondwe disputing the result.
There were divisions among the affiliates with some calling for the removal of the Brotherton-led board for alleged poor administration.
But Brotherton and Gondwe confirmed in separate interviews that they had put their differences aside to work for the development of paralympians in the country.
Brotherton said she was happy that people had realised the NPC was above personal differences and hence it was important for the warring parties to direct their energies on the betterment of the board.
“We cannot achieve anything by fighting, we need to put our heads together and see to it that the NPC mission statement of promoting Paralympics sports is achieved.
“It’s good that members have realised that peddling false allegations against one another was not helping our efforts to develop sports for the disabled. We need to move forward as a team,” Brotherton said.
Gondwe, who is former NPC vice-president, said the spirit of reconciliation would drive the board to reach greater heights.
It was, therefore, important for the members with progressive ideas to work with the current leadership to improve the welfare of paralympians.
Gondwe said continued wrangles were hindering the NPC progress in many areas and called on all affiliates to rally behind Brotherton’s leadership.
“I am happy that members have embraced the spirit of reconciliation. This is what we should have done a long time ago and I think we need to forge ahead and support every progressive idea that comes across,” Gondwe said.