5th December, 2012
Feyisetan Are, the National Head Coach of Nigeria Para-power lifting Federation (NPPF), has called for the establishment of an Institute in the country, for proper building of coaches and athletes in Powerlifting.
Are made the call on Tuesday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Multi –purpose Hall venue of the event at the ongoing 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos.
According to him, the Institute is needed for Para-Powerlifting to maintain and sustain its position as the number one sport in the country.
“As far as sports is concerned in Nigeria, Para-powerlifting is the number one sport which has never failed in recent times to deliver laurels to the country in international tournaments, he told NAN
“We have all come to know that Powerlifting is the number one sport to reckon with in our country. This is the time for Government to take urgent steps to accord it appropriate recognition.
“This is our area of strength; there is a need to have an Institute where athletes and coaches will be nurtured and groomed properly, under the close watch of seasoned tutors.
“We do not need to wait until major tournaments come before scouting for talents. What we need is to pick from already certified athletes to represent us,“ he said.
Are added that about six distinguished Para- powerlifters had been identified at the ongoing biennial tournament in Lagos, adding that when properly nurtured, they would be future gold medalists in international competitions.
“We have discovered about six exceptional athletes in this competition that we can rely on in the future and more are still coming because the Games have not ended.
“Some of these discovered athletes, in another 2 years, are going to become champions, but we should not wait until the next major tournament before we start preparing them,“ he stressed.
The coach, who lauded the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the rewards given to the Paralympians after they returned from 2012 London Games, said the gesture had brought out lots of other talents in the sport.