40 Coaches, Athletes For Canoe Technical Seminar

No fewer than 40 athletes and coaches from the six geo-political zones of the federation will participate in a 10-day technical canoe seminar in September in Lagos.

Ebenezer Ukwunna, Technical Director, Nigeria Rowing and Yachting Federation (NRYF), said in Lagos that four resource persons from Switzerland would conduct the seminar.

He, however, did not give the names of the resource persons.

Ukwunna, who is also the Secretary, Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos, said Nigeria’s U.K.-based canoe-kayak athlete, Jonathan Akinyemi, would also attend the seminar.

He said the programme, being organised by the International Rowing Federation, would enhance the knowledge of the participants in the handling of the boats the IRF donated to the country.

“That is the beauty in donating equipment by international sports federations to develop their sports in other countries.

“Now that we are in possession of their boats, they are following up almost immediately with a technical programme to educate Nigerian coaches and athletes on their use,’’ Ukwunna said.

He said this would be the first time Nigerians would participate in such training.

Our correspondent reports that the 13 canoes and 13 kayak boats were shipped from South Africa in early 2008.

The boats were cleared about two months ago because of lack funds by the federation.