9th August, 2010
Secretary General of Professional Powerlifting Association, Sangode Oladipupo, says Nigerian powerlifters may not perform well in the forthcoming World Men &Women Powerlifting Championship in South Africa in November.
Oladipupo disclosed that the association needs sponsors to enable the athletes start early preparation for the world tourney.
“Our athletes need more competitions to keep them fit ahead of the championship, but it has been difficult to get sponsors that will bail us out. I’m afraid our athletes may not perform well in South Africa because they did not prepare well for the competition,†he said.
Asked when the athletes would be in camp for the tourney, the scribe said he cannot say for now until the association gets sponsors.
He stated that if there was enough fund, the association would have organised series of national competitions for the athletes where the coaches will select the best that will be invited to camp.
“If we get sponsors today, we can organise a national competition where the coaches would assess the fitness of the athletes. It is going to be a disgrace if we go to South Africa without performing well,†he said.
Oladipupo called on sports philanthropists to assist the association in order to execute its programmes before the year runs out
—Sunday Akintoye