By Uzor Odigbo
Gombe Athletics Association members and Academy Athletes representing the savennah State in Asaba could not contain their joy when one of them, Danladi Lamech, won a bronze medal on Tuesday.
Featuring in 1500m final, Lemech Danladi crossed the line in third place to throw his teammates into wild jubilation.
Medals had eluded the Savanna region but thanks to the magnanimity of Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe for sponsoring 25 of his Academy AthIetes to participate in NYG in Asaba, Delta State Capital.
Danladi later dedicated his first medal to the people of the State as emotions took over him.
“This is the first time a medal is coming for my state, I don’t care about the colour, but my Team mates and I are happy,” he said through an translator.
The bronze medalist believe that with more assistance from the likes of the State’s AthIetics Association Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Gara Gombe who brought them here, Athletics and other sports in general will improve in Gombe.
“I want companies and our government to help sports in Gombe. We have a good stadium, (Pantami) but no sports facilities for Athletes to use for discovery and sustainable growth.”
Danladi who started running track about three months ago showered praises to his technical director Prince Simon Ayuba for being a true coach and guardian to AthIetes in the Academy.
Meanwhile, enquires by talents scouts in Asaba is presently on Danladi Lamech for an engagement for sponsorship as Nigeria is searching for middle and long distance runners.
They informed that Danladi is capable of Competing 1500, 800, and 5000 meters if well groomed.
Another athlete that scouts are also targetting is the beautiful looking 100m sprinter, Zainab Nafada.
Although she placed last in her race on Tuesday, she has been rated as a future star ready for more discovery and exposure.