From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
As part of efforts to support development of athletics in Bayelsa State, seasoned broadcast journalist, Dr Kola Oredipe through SAMKAY Academy has donated starting blocks and hurdles equipment to the Bayelsa State Athletics Association.
The facilities include starting blocks and about 70 hurdles equipment to help the athletes compete favourably with their peers in the country and beyond.
At the presentation ceremony held at the tracks of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, Oredipe, an Assistant Director, News with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria said the gesture was part of his contribution to the development of athletics in Bayelsa State.
He expressed the hope that the equipment would motivate the state athletes to excel in sprints and hurdles events at national and international competitions.
‘’I have been asking that if our athletes are not doing 100 and 110 metres hurdles here in Bayelsa, that means they can’t compete anywhere. I believe strongly that having this facility would encourage more of them who feel that doing a 100 metres sprint can switch to 100 or 110 metres hurdles. From SAMKAY Academy we thought of what we can do to add value to athletes so we have brought 70 hurdles for the Bayelsa State Athletics Team. This is not only to catch them young but those already in Sorts would also have facility to train with. This is a gesture to see how we can support our young athletes. In the next few years with these facilities, we would have a number of Tobi Amusans and Gloria Kemasuodes so that Bayelsa state would be a leading light in Athletics in Nigeria,’’ he said.
The Director of the State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi commended Dr. Oredipe for heeding the call to individuals and corporate world to complement the efforts of the government in sports development noting that government alone cannot accelerate sports development.
Wordi who recalled how Dr Oredipe organized an athletic competition for some selected secondary schools in the State recently urged other individuals and the organized private sector to emulate the move and support the government’s efforts in ensuring the development of Sports.