By Uzor Odigbo
Rising from just concluded two-day Media Seminar for athletics writers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the director of Athletes Development center Prof. Ken Anugweje declared that no dope violator deserves honours.
The Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) approved Media seminar conducted via zoom was aimed at updating sports Journalists, especially athletics writers on news writing, Anti-Doping and Beyond the News.
On Anti-Doping, prof Anugweje said dope offences by athletes is a disgrace both to country and the athlete involved.
He stressed the need for journalists to collaborate with doping agencies in the fight against violators and jettison support for culprits.
“Any dope violator is a disgrace to county and self and would continue to have image problem,” he said.
While buttressing ways athletes would avoid being victims, the University of of Port Harcourt lecturer insisted that athletes must notify and state clearly their whereabouts.
He said they must as a matter of fact not receive or accept any substance from anyone without declaring such to Anti-Doping authorities among other things.
The Media seminar which was moderated by national long jump record holder (8.27m) Yusuf Ali had many participants across the country with resource persons dealing creditably on topics assigned to them.
Dare Esan, a veteran Journalist played host to the programme with special emphasis on news writing in athletics, statistics and biography of performing athletes.
Participants expressed gratitude to the organisers and pleaded for the continuation of the seminar next year