Sports
Referee Tasks Bodies On Weightlifting Promotion
An international certified
weightlifting referee, Christopher Nwadei, has called on corporate organisations in the country to collaborate with the body to promote the sport in 2015.
Nwadei told newsmen that development of weightlifting should not be left alone with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation alone.
He said that with such assistance, the authorities would be able to execute a number of national and international activities in the year.
“I am optimistic that weightlifting has proposed various competitions and also has others to attend at the international level. This can be accomplished with adequate support and sponsorship from corporation.
“The truth is that it is not all the proposals sent to the NSC that will receive positive response, being the reason, we must seek other and alternative sources.
“The objective is to curb the dearth of competitions in the country and avoid non-participation of our weightlifters at continental and intercontinental tournaments.
“Such sponsorship could come in form of cash to the body to organise or attend competitions, gift items, kits, scholarships, sponsoring experts as resource person at seminars,’’ he said.
According to him, the measure would also go a long way in giving the nation’s weightlifters the required forum to gain the needed exposure to excel in the sport.
He said that the exposure would sharpen their individual skill according to latest competition rules and bring them to bear with their equals within and outside the shores of the country.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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