A Para-Powerlifting Coach, Ijeoma Iherobiem, has appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure the speedy completion of the gymnasium under refurbishment at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Iherobiem, a coach with the Delta State Sports Commission, told newsmen in Lagos that because of the renovation, they conducted their training in an open space.

The gymnasium, located under the terraces of the Main Bowl of the stadium, has been under renovation since 2010.

“The situation has compelled us to be training under difficult conditions which is not good for the lifters’ physique.’’

She also identified the lack of incentives as a major challenge affecting the sustenance of new athletes in the sport.

Iherobiem said that she provided money for the athletes to transport themselves to and from training just to sustain their interest and keep them off begging alms in the street.

“Whenever I come in contact with them, I counsel them on how they can be useful even in their disability and I give them money to encourage them.’’

She applauded the Delta State Government for its support to the development of powerlifting, especially by offering automatic employment to the gold medallist at the last National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt.

“The incentives by the Delta government have compelled some of them to be committed to the sport.’’

In a separate interview, a 60kg lifter, Kehinde Paul, said that rainfall was hampering their training in an open space.

He appealed to the NSC come to their rescue by ensuring the speedy completion of the renovation work.

“As an indoor sport, training in the open deters our performance and exposes us to danger. I am begging the NSC to help us to put the gymnasium in order.’’

Similarly. Maria Komo (55kg), urged the sports ministry to provide training equipment and money to enable them to participate in competitions.

Komo said: “We need standard training equipment to engage in more competitions to evaluate our performances. Sports festivals should not be the only games to assess athletes.’’

She also urged the government to provide transportation for the physically challenged at various locations to convey athletes to and from training venues.