Lagos – The President, Nigerian Olympics Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, on Sunday visited Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing Beijing 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the athletes are taking part in track and field events.
The NOC in a statement by its Media Officer, Tony Ubani, said that Gumel was in Beijing at the invitation of IAAF.
It said the NOC president told the athletes that the committee would ensure that they got training grants and other assistance they needed to succeed in Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
According to the statement, Gumel revealed that the NOC will work with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Presidency to ensure that preparation was not hampered by inadequate funding.
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“The NOC president, who gave athletes and officials cash gifts, assured that the National Sports Lottery will also provide needed assistance,’’ the statement said.
It noted that while responding on behalf of the athletes, Team Nigeria track and field Captain, Blessing Okagbare, commended Gumel for his interest in track and field and sports generally.
“We really appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedule to travel all the way to Beijing to support us.
“And also to assure us of the Presidency, NOC and NSC readiness to support our preparation for the next Olympic Games.
“On behalf of my colleagues we say thank you sir,’’ it quoted Okagbare as saying. (NAN)
