‘Air Force Parades Good Athletes’

Wing Cdr. Ayodele Famuyiwa, the Head, Publicity Committee for the ongoing Seventh Nigerian Air Force Games in Calabar, says potential athletes who can represent the country abound in the competition.

Famuyiwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar that an Air Force Officer, Flt.-Lt. Zacharia Fwanfur currently holds the national record in the 3000 metres race.

He said there were other service personnel taking part in the Games that had the potential to set new records in some track and field events.

He urged the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to closely monitor the Games and see the athletes in action.

“I foresee some records breaking during these Games because we already have an Air Force Officer as a national record holder in the 3000 metres race. There are other budding athletes in the Air Force eager to show their talents during the Games,” said Famuyiwa.

Famuyiwa said the Games was an opportunity for younger Nigerians in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to join the Air Force. “Talking about what to watch for, I see this occasion as an opportunity for the people to assess their own Air Force.This is an opportunity for people to come closer to us. We are using it again as an avenue for aspiring young Nigerians who will like to join the Air Force.

“And that perhaps explains the aspect of the air display that is being incorporated into the opening and closing ceremonies.

“It is an avenue to see young Nigerians who are capable and intelligent to join the Air Force,” he added.

He said the Games would end on the 4th instead of 5th of November to enable personnel who were Muslims to travel to celebrate Sallah which comes on 6 November.

NAN reports that 1,000 athletes from five formations of the Air Force are taking part in the Games, holding simultaneously in Calabar and Uyo.

The theme of the Games, tagged Calabar/Uyo 2011 is “ Harmony through Sports”.