Coach Tasks Private Sector On Sports Dev

Head Coach, Kogi
Weightlifting Association, Christopher Nwadei has urged philanthropists to invest in sports development for the country to produce athletes who could win laurels at international games.
Nwadei told newsmen on telephone that the government alone should not be saddled with the responsibility of financing sports.
“It is not appropriate to leave the promotion of sports for the government alone; support from notable individuals will go a long way to help in developing athletes.
“Philanthropists can support by providing the equipment needed for training because lack of modern tools is one of the problems affecting the development of sports in Nigeria.
“The Commonwealth Games will hold in Glassgow, Scotland in 2014, and the All Africa Games in the Republic of Congo in 2015.
“Individuals should sponsor national competitions and athletes to participate in international competitions as build up to these Games,” he said.
According to him, such assistance will encourage other corporate organisations in the country and in the Diaspora to contribute their quota to sports development.
He said that the country was endowed with talents in various sports but the athletes’ worth could only manifest if they were well trained.
The coach said that there was need to commence early preparation of athletes for the qualifiers of the competitions with training tours.
“Some sports may require qualifications to earn tickets to the Games, so, it will do us good to ensure that our athletes are fully prepared for successful performance,” he said.