6th October, 2012
Jimoh Adisa Folawiyo, the Nigeria para-badminton player who was recently named Africa’s best player, has been described as a pride to the continent.
Folawiyo, who played in Category One of the 3rd European Para-Badminton championship held in France early this year, won a gold medal and was adjudged Africa’s Most Valuable Player during an award ceremony held in August, 2012.
The Nigerian who defeated home player, Boerman Eddy of France in the DH Standing Final in March this year, was in Lagos to present his awards to the management of one of his sponsors, Air France/KLM yesterday.
While expressing the company’s delight over Folawiyo’s achievement, Cosmando Byarugaba, the Commercial Director of Air France, praised the special athlete for doing Nigeria and Africa proud at the European championships.
“Folawiyo is a good example of greatness, and his success at the international tournament in France attests to the fact that the Nigerian has used his potential to excel amongst his equals.
“On behalf of Air France/KLM, I want to say that we are proud of you. You are not just a pride to this country, but to the entire African continent. So, accept our congratulations,” Byarugaba, who received Folawiyo on behalf of the General Manager of the company, Christian Herpin, said.
He disclosed that Air France will be honoured to sponsor Folawiyo to the next competition of his choice, including the World Championships slated for Rodez in France next year.
Reacting, Folawiyo, who turned professional in 2003, said: “I’m happy that this company has been sponsoring me with return tickets to international championships since 2008.
“That is why I am dedicating my awards to Air France and other sponsors, who have helped to make my dream a reality.”
—Tunde Oyedele