By Joe Apu
The inaugural edition of the National Top Elites Summer Camps commenced Wednesday in Lagos at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos with lots of excitement for the coaches as well as the campers.
The camps which is the brain child a former Dodan Warriors Basketball player, Alexander Ujoh is organised by Starguide Sports Foundation with three major sports – American Football, Soccer and basketball on the cards.
According to Ujoh who also played American Football during his school days in America, the essence of the camps is to give Nigerian youths an opportunity to excel in any of the three sports they may wish to participate in.
“We are doing three sport events, American football will start on Wednesday, next week soccer is going to take place and October 3rd basketball will start at Ilupeju ground.
“We have a purpose, mission, and vision for the young athletes because I was once in their situation so I know how it is. We are trying to see how we can help each and every one of them to see how we can change the mentality because especially soccer it is really hard for them to get out of the shore if they don’t make it to the league here.
“So helping them get a scholarship to the US will not only help them but also it will help the family so that’s our vision.”
Co-founders of the foundation Chaz Green, a rugby coach and former professional baseball player Damond Muhammad also expressed their joy in being in Nigeria to help develop young stars in Nigeria.
According to Muhammad: “It’s so exciting to be a part of this programme working with this young men and their families, helping to develop talents and get them to the US and to American universities where they can further their opportunities and education and really maximize their God-given talents.”
On his part, Green added: “In the US we have the exposure but lots of the athletes here don’t get that exposure and that’s what we are here to do, we are here to bridge that gap, give exposure, and teach the game.
“I know that here in Nigeria, there’s so much talent that doesn’t get noticed, so I’m happy to be here and ready to help out.”