The Assistant Coach,
Kaduna State Cycling Association, Ayuba Bawa has appealed to the state government to assist in the provision of equipment to promote the sport in the state.
Bawa told newsmen in Kaduna that the association needed good bicycles to enable the cyclists to maximise their potential.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the state government to assist us with standard bicycles like the ones used for Olympic Games so as to attract more cyclists to the game.
“These bicycles, when provided, will help to boost our performance and chances in competitions,’’ he said.
According to Bawa, cycling is regarded as one of the most expensive sports.
He also said that lack of motivation was affecting the state’s performance at national competitions.
“Kaduna State is known to be one of the leading states in the sport; the state has produced top national athletes, but there is no motivation by the state government.
“Three of our cyclists are in the national team because of their performance in the Garden City Cycling Championship in Rivers State and other competitions we attended.
“We won a trophy in the junior category of the competition in Rivers,” Bawa said.
He said the state took part in two categories; professionals and U- 23.
According to him, 260 cyclists participated in the championship.
He said that the association was the first to bring the trophy to the state this year.
Bawa expressed confidence that the state’s cyclists would perform well in the upcoming National Sports Festival in Calabar.
He, however, pleaded with the state government to pay the allowances of the athletes to encourage them to focus on their preparation for the sports festival.
“Most of the athletes are not fully employed, they are on contract with the sports council, others are volunteers because of the love they have for the game.
“I appeal to the state government to pay our allowances and sponsor competitions so as to promote the sport,’’ he said.