As the 2024 Olympic Games is fast approaching ,the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has met with the leadership of the National Sports Federations to brainstorm on the way forward towards a successful outing at the forthcoming Olympic Games coming up in Paris in July 2024.
Speaking at the Ministerial Strategic Technical meeting aimed at preparing Team Nigeria for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, held on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, the Minister tasks the Federations to work and surpass it’s best Olympic record achieved during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, which has remained the country’s best outing since the inception of the Olympic Games in 1952.
The Minister noted that sports have become a force to reckon with, and have become one of the key areas that is adding value to the country.
Senator Owan Enoh stated further that no matter the initiative the ministry comes up with, nothing can count as much as when the country goes out for a competition and wins.
The Minister emphasized that both domestic and international preparations are important for the success of Team Nigeria.
“The combination of domestic camping and foreign training tours is essential. It ensures our athletes are well-prepared and ready to compete at the highest level,” he added.
The minister commended the 11 Sports Federations that qualified for the Olympics and Paralympics which, according to him, was an indication of their competitiveness.
Giving an overview of the Olympic qualification, the Acting Director Federations and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), Mr. Olumide Bamiduro disclosed that a total of 88 Athletes have qualified in various sports for the Olympics which includes Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Canoeing Weight lifting, Wrestling and badminton
He revealed that domestic camping will officially open this weekend in four states; Abuja, Lagos, Bayelsa, and Ibadan. Foreign training tours will take place thereafter with the U.S., Germany, Spain, Italy, amongst top destinations being considered.
In her submission, the Acting Director National Sports Festival and Para Sports Department, Mrs. Theclar Opara disclosed that Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Powerlifting and Para Table Tennis have so far qualified for the Paralympic Games.
Signed:
Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs)
Director Press and Public Relations.
