The Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation (NWKF) on Wednesday said that its major programmes for the year 2013 was to focus on grassroots discovery of athletes.

Micheal Oladeinde, the Technical  Director of the federation, told newsmen in Lagos that last year, the federation focused its attention on the development of its coaches.

“What we did last year was to work on coaches by upgrading them with the latest techniques in the sport.

This year, we had already concluded plans for some grassroots development programmes.

Therefore this year, our coaches will put into practice the knowledge they garnered at their various trainings last year.

“This year, we will assist our coaches to go to the grassroots for the discovery, nurturing and promotion of athletes to stardom. “We want them to ensure that new talents are not only discovered but were nurtured to replace the ageing ones,” he said. According to him, the body will ensure the promotion of Wushu Kungfu at the grassroots across the country in the year 2013.

Oladeinde noted that the federation decided to focus on the upgrading of its coaches and referees last year for the speedy growth of the sport.

He, however, added that the federation would continue to intensify efforts for further training of its coaches for the task ahead because rules and regulations in various sports change frequently.

“Last year, we spent resources and time to upgrade the knowledge of our coaches across the country through seminars, workshops and acquisition of technical skills. This, we believe will improve the performance of our athletes for Nigeria to be among the top Wushu Kungfu nations worldwide,’’ Oladeinde said.

He, however, appealed for governments’ regular funding and sponsorship from corporate organisations and individuals to help promote the sport in the country.