Olympics: Sports Lovers Call For Adequate Preparations For Nigerian Contingent
Some sports lovers in Nasarawa State have called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Nigerian contingent for the Paris Olympics is adequately prepared and funded.
NAN reports that the Paris 2024 Olympics Games will begin on July 26 with athletes from several nations including Nigeria participating.
Umar Mohammed, Financial Secretary, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa state chapter, said the federal government should prepare adequately to get the best out of the nation’s contingent.
“They should also improve the welfare of the athletes and not demoralise their spirits having put them through rigorous training,” he said.
Also, Mike Umudjon, Sports Presenter with Option FM Radio station, Akwanga told NAN that the federal government should ensure adequate funding of Nigeria’s contingent to boost morale.
“Early preparation is out of discussion because the Olympics is already here. Our call now to the Federal Government is for the athletes to be well funded and taken care of so as to lift their spirits to make the nation proud.
“We don’t want a situation whereby our athletes are protesting over poor funding.
”Rather they should be smiling that all financial obligations to them have been taken care of and I am positive they will make us proud,” he said.
Another enthusiast, Aliyu Barau, and other sports lovers in Keffi also suggested that the federal government should put in place a reward structure for athletes who distinguish themselves by winning medals for the nation.
“Aside from their feeding, accommodations and other needs I think the government should also consider rewarding those who win medals for Nigeria.
“If athletes are aware that aside from what they will get from the International Olympics Organisation, they will also be rewarded back home, I am sure they will go all the way.
”So I call on the Federal Government to put in the best preparations for our contingent,” he said.
 in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state on){kind=link}