Wike Orders Intense Grooming Of Athletes …Bags African Sporting Award

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has directed the State Ministry of Sports to intensify the grooming of athletes through the hosting of key sports events in the State.
This is as the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships ended in Port Harcourt amid pomp and ceremony at the prestigious Alfred Diete- Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Wike said beyond the participation of the youths as observers during the continental tournament, they should be engaged all-year round.
He said: “I encourage our sports administrators to promote Badminton and other sports by grooming youths as athletes.
“School competitions should be organised annually to sharpen the skills of the athletes. Engage the youths in meaningful sports activities “.
He commended the Badminton Confederation Africa for choosing Rivers State to host the continental event.
The Governor also praised the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung for allowing the games to hold in the state, saying that his non-discriminatory posture should be emulated by other Ministers.
He announced that the Real Madrid Football Academy will be commissioned in May with sporting and academic activities kick-started.
Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung commended Governor Wike for his commitment to the development of sports.
He called for increased investment in sports, saying that sports will be the next big wealth generation platform to lift people from poverty.
President, Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), MrTukebana Bau officially presented the BCA Prestigious Award to Governor Wike for his contributions to the development of sports on the continent.
Also, the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih officially enthroned Governor Wike as the Patron of the Federation.
Highpoint ofthe closing ceremony was the presentation of medals to winners of different events during the championship. Nigeria emerged winners of the Female Singles, Male singles and Mixed Doubles.
The All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt had 16 countries in attendance.
Meanwhile,the Badminton Confederation of Africa has nominated the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the “Award for Distinguished Service to Sports in Africa “.
Speaking during a Courtesy Visit to the Rivers State Governor on Saturday at the Government House, Port Harcourt , President, Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), MrTukebanaBau praised Governor Wike for his support for the growth of Badminton in Africa.
He said: “We acknowledge your support and passion for Badminton in Africa. For this reason, the Badminton Confederation Africa Board resolved to honour you with the prestigious award for your distinguished Service to Sports in Africa.
“This award will be presented to you during the finals of the African Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt “.
He described the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt as historic, saying that it is the first time the tournament will have a mascot.
The BCA President urged Nigeria and Governor Wike to continue to play the leading role in the growth of sports in Afria by sustaining their support.
While congratulating GovernorWike on his re-election, he said the governor’s victory will strengthen the platform for future cooperation for the growth of sports in Africa.
President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih said that Nigeria made history during the championship by winning her first team event at home.
He noted that 16 African Countries are participating in the tournament, which has attracted global attention
Responding, GovernorWike thanked the leadership of the BCA for choosing Rivers State as hosts of the Championship. He noted that all the 16 countries will now serve as ambassadors of the state.
He described Sports as key to the unity of different races, adding that his administration will continue to support the growth of sports.
Governor Wike said despite the security challenges in the state, it remains largely safe for sports and investments.
He noted that the State will continue to work with other stakeholders to promote peace .