Sports
My Boyhood Dream Was to Own a Football Club – Sunday Dare
Sunday Dare has recounted how his boyhood dream led to establishment of Black Scorpions FC.
Dare on Tuesday stated that he has fulfilled that lifelong dream with the unveiling of Black Scorpions FC of Ogbomoso.
The event, which brought together esteemed guests from far and wide, marked a significant milestone in Dare’s journey as a sports enthusiast and visionary leader.
Reflecting on his childhood passion for sports, he expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to establish a football club that not only nurtures young talent but also serves as a unifying force within communities. His inspiration stemmed from fond memories of attending matches with his elder brother, where he witnessed firsthand the captivating power of sports to transcend barriers and unite people.
“As a young boy, I was captivated by the electrifying atmosphere of football matches,” Dare reminisced. “The unity and camaraderie it fostered among people left an indelible mark on me, igniting a lifelong ambition to create a similar platform for aspiring athletes and societal cohesion.”
Drawing from his experience in sports administration, Dare acknowledged the challenges inherent in launching and sustaining a venture like Black Scorpions FC. He emphasized the critical role of passion in driving success, recognizing the collective effort required to overcome financial and logistical hurdles.
“I am humbled to embark on this journey, knowing the immense dedication and resources it demands,” Dare remarked. “But with unyoielding passion and the support of our community, I am confident that Black Scorpions FC will flourish, empowering our youth and fostering national pride.”
In his closing remarks, Dare extended heartfelt appreciation to all attendees and stakeholders who graced the launch, with the special guest of honour being the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye. Others included esteemed ex-internationals such as Olademeji Lawal, Prince Henry George, and Oladunni Oyekale. He also issued a rallying call to private individuals and corporate entities to invest in sports as a catalyst for national development.
“As we embark on this exciting adventure, I urge all stakeholders to join hands in nurturing the talent and potential of our youth,” Dare urged. “Together, we can harness the transformative power of sports to build a stronger, more inclusive society.”
With the launch ceremony concluded, Dare conveyed his best wishes to the Black Scorpions FC as they embark on their maiden season this weekend, symbolizing a new chapter in the rich tapestry of Ogbomosoland and Oyo State.
Sports
NSC Swiftly Activates ‘Adopt-an-Athlete’ Training Grant Initiative To Support Brume After Car Crash
…commends Confetti Assets Limited for partnership and support
By Joel Ajayi
National Sports Commission ,NSC, under the leadership of its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has activated the Adopt-an-Athlete Training Grant initiative with its first recipient being Nigerian track and field star, Ese Brume, following her recent involvement in a ghastly car accident.
Speaking at an event to mark the partnership with Confetti Assets Limited, the NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko commended Confetti Assets Limited for its generous support. He reiterated the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive sports development in Nigeria through a sustainable Public Private Partnership ,PPP, model.
“We must create a system that does not solely depend on government funding but rather leverages private sector partnerships to achieve a thriving sports economy”, Dikko said.
On his part , the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to athlete welfare and development.
“While we were strategizing, something unfortunate happened to Ese Brume. She was involved in a ghastly motor accident, but to God be the glory, her life was spared”, Olopade said.
“When we spoke, I asked her what I could tell the Chairman to do for her immediately.
She made me proud when she said, ‘All I need right now is whatever the Commission can give me as a training grant to help me buy a small vehicle so I can continue my training because I want to win the World Championship in September next year.’ That touched me deeply”, Olopade said.
The DG explained that the Commission has activated an innovative approach to raising funds for athlete development, elite sports, and grassroots initiatives.
“We have an ingenious way of raising funds through donations. With the Chairman’s approval, we approached key stakeholders, particularly contractors involved in developing sports infrastructure nationwide. We told them it was time they started donating to a fund dedicated to grassroots development, elite athletes, and federations”, he revealed.
“Confetti Assets Limited and Faisa were the first to support this initiative, and today, we are here to celebrate these patriotic Nigerians who understand Mr. President’s vision and the mandate of our Chairman. We want to ensure that, in the near future, our athletes will have no excuse to say they were not supported”, Olopade added.
The Director-General described the moment as symbolic, as it marked the official rollout of the Adopt-the-Athlete initiative under the new NSC, with Brume as its first beneficiary.
“Today is very significant as we collect the first training grant for the first athlete in a program we plan to launch fully in February 2025. And that first athlete is none other than Ese Brume, arguably one of the most decorated athletes Nigeria has ever produced”, Olopade declared.
On his part, the Chairman of Confetti Assets Limited, Mr. Benjamin Jonathan Ngoka, expressed his commitment to the initiative, pledging continued support for Nigeria’s sports sector.
“We are happy to key into this new vision for Nigerian sports. We understand the mandate of the National Sports Commission and will continue to play our part in supporting athletes and the broader vision of sports development,” Ngoka said.
The Adopt-the-Athlete initiative aims to provide financial support for Nigerian athletes’ training and development, ensuring they have the resources needed to compete at the highest levels of global sports.
With the backing of strategic partners like Confetti Assets Limited, the initiative is expected to significantly impact the careers of elite and grassroots athletes alike.
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