Sports
National Skating Day: Young Skaters, Parents Recount Experiences
Young skaters between three and five years old have recounted their experiences of the National Skating Day on June 10, saying it was delightful engaging in the sport.
Tidesports source gathered that the maiden National Skating Day was organised by National Rollers Sports Federation (NRSF) at the National Stadium Skating ground, Surulere, Lagos.
The championships, organised to set the pace for skating in Nigeria, witnessed many skaters from across the country that came to display their talents.
The young skaters performed to the admiration of the spectators not minding the newness of the sport at competitive level in Nigeria.
They competed in 100m while those in the senior category competed in 100m, 200m and 500m.
Other events include long jump, high jump and free styles for all the categories.
One of the young skaters, four-year-old Kosisochukwu Odunze-Kamma from Anambra, who competed in the 100m, told newsmen in Lagos that he was delighted as he finished the race in spite of his age.
Kosisochukwu, who could only mumble some words, said he loved to skate.
“I like skating, my mum takes me to stadium every Saturday,’’ little Kosisochukwu said.
On how Kosisochukwu got involved in skating, his mum, Lauretta, said that the young lad picked interest in skating while watching on television.
“He picked up interest in skating during a skating competition on television and I noticed his interest.
“I decided to encourage him by buying skating kits which he was happy with and since then, he has improved.
“We will sit to watch his interest as we cannot say for now if he will later pick other interest,’’ she said.
Another kid, a three-year-old Tiwatope Kunyomi from Delta, also competed with the instructions from her coach.
Kunyomi’s Coach, Mike Awom, said it was a delight to train the little skaters and eventually got them to compete among themselves.
Awom said the kids were trained at his Young Quality International Skaters Club with a little fee, adding that the motivation was to train them.
“Young skaters are a delight to watch, first, training them till mastery and then see them skating.
“Sometimes, it may not be easy getting their concentration as they get more playful but aside that, they are also fast learners.
“We hope to get them involved in more competitions as skating begins to be appreciated more in Nigeria,’’ he said.
Four-year-old Ayodele Olofinnade, accompanied by his mum also took time to display some skills.
Speaking to newsmen, his mother, Emem, said Ayodele was born into the family of skaters. She added that young Ayodele took interest from his older ones.
“He was just little watching his older brother Odunayo, 10, and sister, Dayo 11, skate. As young as two years he will be crying to join them.
“At age two we then involved him in skating and he has yet to look back since then.
“Skating is safe for them as far as my experience is concerned. I also skate but not too much involved only to exercise,’’ she said.
Other young skaters that featured are Ugo-Nwachuku sisters, Chinaza and Tochukwu aged eight and five years respectively from Abia.
The Technical Director of the tournament, Kings Kedron, told newsmen that it was a rewarding experience to see the young skaters.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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