LAGOS – Reginal Briggs, an international weightlifting referee, has commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for ensuring that the country’s contingent embarked on a training tour ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
Briggs told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that the training tour would augment the preparations the athletes have had while camping in the country.
Some officials and 15 weightlifters, made up of eight male and seven female, departed the country on Monday from Abuja for a training camp in London.
“This step is commendable. It goes a long way to show government’s commitment in ensuring that our athletes are adequately prepared for a successful outing at the Games.
“The preparations started quite early, and the significant thing about their (the athletes) camping was that they were trained under the supervision of competent technical officials and knowledgeable coaches.[eap_ad_1]
“The tour is also an opportunity for officials and the athletes to evaluate their preparedness and also expose them to the modern facilities which will be used at the Games,’’ the referee said.
Briggs, however, called on the athletes to be good ambassadors by observing the competitions’ rules and regulations.
“They must represent the nation well. I am sure that they are familiar with the regulations.
“The athletes and their coaches should not engage in anything that will endanger their chances of competing or winning good medals at the Games,’’ he said.
Briggs, who is also the Head Coach of River Weightlifting Federation, advised the athletes to have confidence in their abilities and not to give room for any form of intimidation.
“Once they have confidence and do away with stage-freight, I am optimistic that they will do well because they have all it takes to be world-beaters,’’ he said.
The weightlifters were selected based on their individual performances at the national trials held in Abuja.(NAN)[eap_ad_4]