The Federal Government has restated its commitment and resolve to give all necessary support and enablement to ensure Nigerian athletes to the 12th All Africa Games, Morocco 2019, win trophies and laurels that would put Nigeria on the medals roll call during the Games.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Olusade Adesola gave this assurance to the athletes camping inside the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. Mr Adesola admonished the athletes which comprised of Volley Ballers and Sprinters to strive towards making the best use of the platform of representing their fatherland at the Morocco All Africa Games to win medals and by extension, achieving individual glory for themselves. He said the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is committed to rendering support to our athletes to attain podium performances.
To make this support worthwhile, the Permanent Secretary urged the athletes to treat every opponents in the games with due respect and seriousness, adding, there is no underdog in any sporting competition/games with laurels to be won. Also in his address, Mr Adesola emphasized that behind every podium performance is the secret of being discipline, focused and hardworking. The athletes, he noted, must imbibe these tested attributes if they truly desire to win at every sporting event in Morocco, scheduled for late August this year.
The Permanent Secretary seized the opportunity of this assessment visit to promote the campaign of Anti-Doping, to urge Nigerian athletes in camp preparing for the Games to desist from doping so as not to bring Nigeria into disrepute and by extension, individual shame. He said ”we want a situation where you must win fairly”. To strengthen and reinforce this counselling, Mr Adesola gave directive to their Coaches to always emphasise this Anti-Doping message to the athletes.
While appreciating and commending the Permanent Secretary for the visit, the athletes promised that they would make the Nation proud in the 2019 Morocco Games by winning medals.
In attendance at the crucial interactive/assessment visit is the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engr. Musa Nimrod and other officials/coaches.
Mr Ramon Balogun.
AD. Press.
For: Director ( Press).
