NAN-S-9
Sports
Adedeji Egbebi
Ado-Ekiti, Jan. 17, 2017 (NAN) Adetayo Awojirin, Head Coach, Ekiti State Basketball Association, on Tuesday appealed to philanthropists and corporate bodies to invest in promoting sports in 2017.
Awojirin told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti that by so doing, such individuals and organisations would be investing in the future of the youth and the state.
He implored corporate bodies, wealthy individuals and philanthropists in the society to assist the state sports council in sponsoring sports programmes.
According to him, such investments would also reduce the number of youths who hitherto would have taken to crime and other vices.
Awojirin explained that the need for philanthropists to invest in sports was because it would not only keep the youth away from crimes but would help to discover talented athletes.
“In basketball, I have young boys and girls who are talented and need to be encouraged through regular participation in competitions.
“But due to paucity of funds, I am unable to organise competitions, but I believe with sponsorship from philanthropists it would be possible,’’ he said.
The coach said that due to the financial challenges facing the state, there was need for various sports association chairmen to solicit for sponsorships.
He appealed to all interested lovers of sports and empowerment of youths to visit the sports council to partner with the management. (NAN)
DJ/AOS/PDE
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(Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Peter Ejiofor)