The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing young athletes to become world champions.
Obaseki made the pledge yesterday while playing host to three former Nigerian athletes and Olympians, Dr. Godwin Obasogie (Hurdle – 100m), Dr. Bruce I. Ijirigho (100m) and Charlton Ehizuelen (Long jump) who were on a courtesy visit to his office in company of the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Ali.
Speaking on the state’s sports development policy, Obaseki said the focus is on discovering young athletes through the school sports programme, which will create opportunities for young people in the state to be nurtured to stardom.
While commending the three Olympians for their exploits during their sporting days, he said the state government is honoured to have them in the state and would be glad to leverage on their heroics to promote its sports development programme.
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He said ‘‘we are growing a new generation of young athletes who will be like you. Since our policy is based on catching them young, we would like to use the opportunity of having you in our State to let the new generation know what you have achieved in the past.
“So, let your own stories inspire and motivate our young generation, as we need to create alternative voices and for people to know that you did it in the past and that you are our heroes.’’
On their part, the Olympians commended the governor for revamping the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other sporting infrastructure in the State.
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