Lagos – A Kogi weightlifting coach, Sefiya Onubaye, on Wednesday said that the provision of a standard training gymnasium would enhance the development of the sport in the state.
Onubaye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that lack of adequate facility was responsible for dawdling development of the sport at the grassroots in the state.
She called on the Kogi State Sports Council to give adequate attention to provision of facilities toward talents identification and training of upcoming athletes.
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“Weightlifting is growing in the state, but the pace of its development is dragging because we lack the necessary facilities needed to conduct effective training programmes.
“There must be a well equipped gymnasium with basic amenities and in the various weights to train athletes according to their weight categories.
“This is why I am calling on the sports council to help us with the provision of facilities and equipment to carrying out development programmes for upcoming athletes,’’ he said.
Onubaye said adequate facilities would help the coaches to create more awareness needed at the grassroots and also attract more young people to the sport.
“I see some young children practice this sport at the local level, meaning that they have passion to develop their skill, they need to be encouraged,’’ she said.
The coach said that such initiative could also be adopted by the schools authorities to further promote the sport. (NAN)