LAGOS – Dotun Omoniyi, the Head Coach, Ondo State Table Tennis Association, on Wednesday said the weekend classics programme of the state sports council had been of tremendous benefit in the discovery of athletes.
Omoniyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the programme was aimed at ensuring that upcoming players discovered at various grassroots competitions were thoroughly groomed.
“This programme has produced players that have the prospects of replacing the ageing ones; one of them, Ogini Olasukunmi, won gold at the recent Africa Youth Championships, Botswana.
“Also, Wale Fagbami participated at the just-concluded Lagos World Tour, tagged `Nigeria Open’ but lost at the semi-finals which was a good attempt for an upcoming player.[eap_ad_2]
“We usually have grassroots competitions across the state which has being helping us to discover budding talents.
“This was the reason the weekend classics were initiated to provide a favourable environment to train them and give them opportunities to play with their peers,’’ he said.
Omoniyi said the programme also considered the welfare of the participating athletes.
He said that deserving athletes were rewarded with some stipends to take care of their feeding and transportation.
“ The idea is to encourage them to be consistent in the programme, besides, they must pay for their transportation to the sports venue and take care of some of their personal needs,’’ he added.
According to him, the state government has also been very supportive in the areas of facilities and sponsorship. (NAN)[eap_ad_3]
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