NSF: Para-Athletics Federation reveal plans for international competitions
President Para-Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Rafiu Etti says plans were underway to prepare athletes for international competitions.
Etti told newsmen at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Friday that the athletes would be given extra training and and workshops to enable them compete internationally.
He expressed confidence in the athletes presented at the ongoing National Sports Festival especially from Lagos.
He commended the organisation, arrangements and facilities at the stadium, saying it surpassed his expectations.
“We’ve been having a series of meetings to see how we can give the athletes in camp more training and seminars to prepare them ahead of international tournaments.
“So far, so good. All the arrangements is excellent, despite a few challenges here and there, which have been surmounted, I’ll say it’s perfect.
“The athletes are performing exceptionally well and hopefully they will do more, especially from Lagos, where I come from. We just won a silver but I’m expecting more gold medal before the end of the games.
Etti disclosed that athletes from Lagos would be rewarded for excellence by the state government as well as from the federation.
“There’s a handsome reward for each medal they win from the state government. I, myself as the president will also be rewarding them for excellence,” he said.
In other race at the ongoing Gateway Games on Friday, Ogun came first in the men’s 10,000m race walk, while Oyo and Edo came second and third respectively.
Edo, Oyo and Plateau were first, second and third respectively in women’s 10,000m race walk finals.
In the 4 by 400m mixed relay, eight states made the final; they are Edo, Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Osun and Ondo.
