NAN-S-15
Taekwondo
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Dec. 13, 2017 (NAN) Anthony Anafulu, a member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), says no fewer than 300 children are expected to take part in the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Kiddies Tournament.
Anafulu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that CCSF, in conjunction with the FCT Taekwondo Association, was organising the tournament as a grassroots programme for children.
“The CCSF Kiddies Tournament is a grassroots development programme purely for kids, and it is for those aged between 6 and 10 years.
“We have so far this year done three series, each one every quarter, and the last one is expected to hold on a date yet to be decided later this month,” he said.
Anafulu noted that there were so many potentials at the grassroots level as a lot of children have been developing interest in the sport.
“We have over 1,500 kids practising taekwondo in the FCT from different schools and clubs. When you go to the Old Parade Ground, you will see the place jam-packed with kids of different ages.
“So, there is a need for us to streamline the programme to have a manageable event.
“The last time we held the tournament, we had too many children coming through. So, it was difficult for us to run the programme all through.
“We have decided to begin the process of streamlining them into different cadres to ensure that we have a manageable event this time around.
“These kids will compete in different categories, depending on the age bracket, using the latest equipment,” he said.
The NTF board member representing the North Central zone also called on well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the association by sponsoring the programme.
“We’ve not been getting sponsors, but we know that once we build a very good structure, sponsors will come.
“The upcoming tournament is the fourth in the series this year and by next year, people will have seen our track record and evaluate what we have done.
“I am confident that once they have seen and are sure of the standard and quality of the programme, they will come on board and lend their support,” he said.(NAN)
VO/OIF/OLAL
===========
(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Olawale Alabi)