Gombe Skating Association demands training facilities

The Gombe Roller Skaters Association has made an urgent appeal to the state government to come to its aid in the area of training facilities.

The Chief Coach of Gombe skaters, Sama’ila Yes Bros, said the team has been operating without any formal support from the government, relying solely on personal resources to participate in national competitions.

Sama’ila revealed that despite these limitations, the association has participated in major skating events across the country, including in Kano, Bauchi, Calabar, Abuja, and Taraba.

He said they had earned top honours, consistently securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, demonstrating their potential to excel with proper backing.

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“If we had government support, particularly in providing professional roller skates and jerseys, we could have been champions by now,” said Sama’ila.

“The skates we currently train with cost around N150,000, but our counterparts from Kano and other states use equipment worth up to N1 million, giving them a competitive edge.”

However, the coach expressed optimism following recent signs of recognition from the government, particularly through the Commissioner of Youth and Sports in Gombe, Adamu Inuwa Ibrahim, whom he said has taken a keen interest in their progress.

Sama’ila described the commissioner as a mentor and an essential figure in the association’s journey toward gaining official recognition.

“We need quality skates and other gear to compete effectively. In Bauchi, we faced challenges in events like high jump, marathon, speed slalom, and ramp jump due to inadequate skates, yet we still performed admirably. With the right support, we could consistently place first in these competitions.”