Ilorin – Officials of the U.S. Embassy in the country on Friday donated baseball equipment worth N6 million to the Baseball Tomorrow Academy based in Ilorin, Kwara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. delegation was led by the embassy’s Cultural Attache, Robert Kerr.
NAN report that the equipment donated included uniforms, caps, baseball bats, balls and helmet.
Kerr said that baseball was a sport that could be used to engage youth actively.
He promised that the baseball community in Nigeria would be assisted to ensure the continuous growth of the sport.
“I’m delighted to be part of this historic event and I strongly believe the equipment will enhance the sport in the state.
“The donation is worth 30,000 dollars of equipment to improve the sport at the grassroots.
“Baseball is a sport that requires individual talent, team work, strategy, speed, skill agility and endurance and I believe with these equipment they will attain it,” he said.
Kerr added that effort would be made to introduce exchange programmes where players and officials could also benefit and improve in the sport.
Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara thanked the officials for their support through donation.
Ahmed, who was represented by Wale Ogungbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Kwara Government House, said that state would continue to engage its teeming youths in sports.
“Sport is a significant economic plus that bridges cultural differences in any society and we regard it as a critical element to engage our youth.
“More sports facilities will be establish in the state and we will continue to accord it top priority,” he said.
Also speaking, Kwara Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Ayo Kale, said that the state had produced players that have represented the country in major international events.
He noted that Ilorin would continue to be the centre for baseball in the country.
Victor Fingesi, the President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, urged the academy to make good use of the equipment to improve the sport.
Fingesi reiterated the commitment of the body to uplifting the sport by making it visible in the country.
“The only way we can attract sponsors to the sport is by being visible in every part of the country,” he said.
The founder of Baseball Tomorrow Academy, Peter Imonike, thanked the donor and the state government for its contribution in making the event a success.
Imonike gave an assurance that the academy would use the equipment judiciously to develop the sport in the state.
The event held at the Kwara Banquet Hall. (NAN)