19th NSF: Rivers Karatekas Begin Trials

The Rivers State Karate Association says it has commenced preparation for the forthcoming 19th National Sports Festival sheduled to hold in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, next year.

Chief Coach of the State Karate association, Leader Yacob Kingsley Ewelie, stated this in an exclusive interview with Tidesports at the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex, Port Harcourt over the weekend.

He said that Karatekas in the state have started trials and tournaments, besides the normal training activities in order to warm up and keep fit ahead of the 2014 NSF, in Calabar.

“Early preparation is one major key to success, that is why the association deemed it necessary to get underway before the general preparation (camping) as to boost the morale of the athletes and put them in high spirit for the task ahead.

He, however promised to exceed the medal records achieved at the “Garden City Games 2011” held in Port Harcourt.

“With what I have seen so far and the current form of my athletes, we will surpass the number of medals worn at the 17th Garden City Games,” he said.

He therefore urged Karatekas in the State to take their training serious and “be prepared always,” as the boys scout, ahead of the national engagement.

It would be recalled that Karate was not amongst sports that were competed for at the 18 NSF games held in Lagos State.