NAN-S-3
Accommodation
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, April 21, 2017 (NAN) Emmanuel Oghenejobo, Sponsor, Agoma Open Martial Arts Sports Festival, has thanked the Kano State Government for offering free accommodation to athletes who would participate in the competition’s 16th edition.
Oghenejobo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the championships would hold at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano State from May 10 to May 13.
He said the annual competition which started in 2001 had not enjoyed any form of support in spite efforts made to get individuals and corporate organisations to identify with it.
“I am delighted with the warm hands of fellowship that Kano State Government has extended by taking up pledging to accommodate athletes that will participate in the competition.
“It’s going to be a big relief and increase participation of athletes as those who cannot afford accommodation bills will endeavour to come without fear of where to sleep,’’ he said.
He noted that lack of support had compelled him to restrict the championships to taekwondo since 2015 as against the previous editions which featured kickboxing, karate, wushu kungfu and judo.
“This championships has come a long way as well as faced challenges, especially in getting support as the level of support has been poor.
“The championships actually accommodated five combat sports but I had to give priority to taekwondo from 2015 edition because they showed more commitment and offered moral support,’’ he added.
NAN reports that the 14th edition at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium from May 13 to May 18 had 53 athletes who featured in kickboxing, karate, wushu kungfu and judo sports.
The 15th edition was organised in collaboration with Nigeria Taekwondo Federation and held at the National Stadium, Lagos with 48 athletes in participation in the taekwondo event.
The 1992 taekwondo silver medalist in the heavyweight category added that his passion for the sport had sustained his commitment to the competition which had produced national champions.
“No support, but I am not discouraged because taekwondo is the sport that has given me global recognition and I just have to give back to it through this championships,’’ he added. (NAN)
MIL/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)