.As AFN boss harps on country’s image
By Uzor Odigbo
Athletes welfare is my major priority, says Sports Minister, Sunday Dare.
He also said that nothing would stop the current wave of assisting athletes to achieve their dreams in sports.
The minister spoke at the weekend during the All-comers athletics competition in Akure, Ondo State.
He said that the large number of athletes that turned out for the competition shows the direction they want to follow.
The minister who was represented by his madia aide, John Joshua Akanji, also assured that those who work hard would benefit from the prime Adopt-a- Talent project which aimes at assisting athletes prepare for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Over nine athletes he informed, had benefitted from the project worth $10.000 USD including some homebased athletes.
“The welfare of our esteemed Athletes is non-negotiable and top priority for us.”
According to him, athletes will benefit from all that is required to assist them prepare adequately for the Games in Tokyo.
Also speaking, President of the Athletics of Nigeria (AFN) Hon. Olamide George thanked the minister for availing athletes with his presence and followed with life changing assurance towards the Olympic preparations.
George reminded athletes of the importance in working hard for their future, adding that this is the time to make it happen by taking their training seriously, insisting that the federation under his watch would not neglect them.
“My doors are open, call me if you have any issue and no matter the price, we as a federation will try to assist”.
He advised them to train very hard and desist from actions that would tarnish the image of the country and families.
The AFN president also said during a meeting with athletes that allowances, grants would be categorised according ranking and would be based on athletes location, he however assured that whichever way, no athlete would be denied his or her entitlement.
In two weeks time, the AFN train will move to Ekiti for the Classics competition where athletes are expected to earn money through individual performances.
Meanwhile, some athletes that distinguished themselves in Akure at the weekend would move straight to Classics.
They include Enoch Adegoke, Emmanuel Arowolo, Ofili, Amara Nwakocha, Joy Udo-Gabriel etc.
Athletes and coaches that throng the AFN All-comers venue at the Federal University of Technology Akure expressed gratitude to the AFN board and Sports Minister for encouraging athletes with competitions where they had absolute freedom to express themselves on the tracks and outside of it. They eulogised the organization and technical quality exhibited at meet which they hope would encourage athletes perform better at subsequent meet.
