SPORTS MINISTER VISITS US BOUND ATHLETES

Oru Leonard

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development *Mr Sunday Dare* on Monday 3rd May visited the Athletes who have been training at the Moshood National Stadium Abuja  preparatory  to their departure  for USA on Thursday to participate  in relay Qualifiers.

While addressing the Athletes, the  Minister urged them to remain focused in unity.  “I have been  monitoring  your preparations  and have met most of you personally. Whether you are  Homebased or foreign based, Team Nigeria is one hence  we  decided to take you to the US to join others  so that you can blend  as a team”
The  Minister showered  encomium on some athletes, saying the future is bright for  Nigeria to have  podium performances at the Olympics. He commended the performance  of  Tobi Amusan who got adopted few weeks ago and  who  now  has the second World best  time,  Grace Nwokocha and Adegoke Enoch who  got adopted by the Minister  under the Adopt an Athlete Initiative.

While emphasizing the importance of Athletes welfare, Mr Dare revealed that the Ministry had put in place a detailed program for the Athletes where every trips,  meets, Timing, accommodation is being  monitored.

The  Minister urged the Athletes not to be distracted  “Your job is to run and give this country the best; Focus on your training and the goal ahead and leave the administration to us. The world is waiting to see what you  can do,you must meet their expectations”

This is part of the preparations for the  Tokyo 2020 Olympics.