NAN-S-13
Sponsorship
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, March 20, 2017 (NAN) Bose Omolayo, a 2016 Rio Paralympic gold medalist in the women’s -79kg class, on Monday urged sports authorities in states to invest in the development of athletes under their jurisdiction.
Omolayo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
She spoke against the backdrop of some athletes who did not participate in the National Open Powerlifting Championships in Ibadan from March 8 to March 10 because of lack of funds.
She said that some athletes wanted to take part in the event but were unable to do so because they could not transport themselves to the competition.
“The competition really came in handy because of the dearth of activities for a long time, so, many athletes were eager to participate.
“But unfortunately, the situation in the country has affected their pockets which made it impossible for some of them to attend, especially those outside Lagos and Ogun states not to make it.
“So, I call on state governments to assist their athletes by sponsoring them to competitions even if it’s half of the cost, just to encourage them,’’ she said.
The Olympian, who took part in the championships, said she was impressed by the performances of new lifters, adding that they performed beyond expectations in their weight categories.
Omolayo, also a gold medalist at the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, Congo, applauded the Nigeria Paralympics Committee (NPC) for a well organised event.
“I was thrilled by the performances of the lifters; honestly, they are doing well, it shows that in and out of competition, they are committed to training to be in form.
“But they still need exposure beyond the country to improve on their forms because one gains knowledge by competing internationally,’’ she added.
According to her, the open trial created a favourable platform for athletes to know their form, while coaches used the opportunity to identify the technical deficiencies of their athletes.
NAN reports that the three-day competition was organised by the NPC at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. (NAN)
MIL/FF/PDE
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Peter Ejiofor)