A Lagos State Para-ath
letics coach, Adenuga Adegboyega, has appealed to states sports’ authorities to employ athletes who excelled in competitions organised by local government councils.
Adegboyega told newsmen in Lagos that such opportunities would go a long way in encouraging grassroots athletes.
He said that when the athletes were gainfully employed, it would reduce the number of miscreants among those of them that were talented in sports.
“Youth employment, especially for winners of competitions is a means to encourage them to be more committed,’’ Adegboyega said.
He said some youths performed credibly well in different sports during competitions organised by local governments across the states and it was only proper to retain such talents.
“When an athlete proves his or her worth at grassroots competitions, I think it is better to make provision to retain them and monitor their development by employing them.
“Competitions organised at the local government help to identify future stars and if we do not provide them with employment opportunity, they will shift to other areas,’’ Adegboyega said.
He advised the authorities to endeavor to create an enabling environment for youths in their domain to exhibit their skills as a way of enhancing grassroots development in the state.
The coach further urged the youths to be focused and develop their skills in areas where they were gifted by going for training.
He urged the youths to be obedient to the technical officials in charge of sports.