Featured

Team Nigeria Arrive South Africa For Inter-Club Gymnastics Competition

Published

6 years ago

August 1, 2019

…As Babatunde appeals for fund

Joel Ajayi

Coaches and 18 Gymnastics athletes have arrived South Africa for the Inter-Club Gymnastic championship slated for 2^nd to the 5^th of August 1, 2019.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja before departure, Nigeria Gymnastic Federation board member and Coach Anthony Asuquo said the team is ready to compete at this year’s edition on the 2^nd to 5^th of August before taking part in the another completion in Johannesburg from competitive level to Olympic level.

“We are ready to compete at level 16 African championship in South Africa, we have been working tirelessly and we believe we are going to do well. We have 18 athletes that would be featuring in this championship and we have a big one in on 7^th to 8^th in Johannesburg this event build Gymnasts from competitive level to Olympic level.

Speaking the challenge encounter so far, coach Asuquo said: “The challenges are worrisome we got a visa and we don’t have money to purchase the ticket for the less privileged athletes. Last year so many parents assisted but this year I don’t know what happen. And we don’t have enough money to do that.

He said the team is made up of medal hopefuls Gabriella Asemota and United States-based Uche Eke who will be joining the team in South Africa.

Asuquo said the gymnasts are ready to do the country proud and qualify for the Olympics next year.

“Babatunde who won two gold medals at last year’s championship require about N300, 000 to make the trip as 10 gymnasts departed. Babatunde who is dreaming of representing the country at next year’s Olympics in Tokyo said he failed to make the trip due to lack of funds.”

Meanwhile, one the Nigerian gold medalist at last year’s Inter-Club championship in South Africa Tomisin Babatunde has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropist for support as he missed the train to South Africa for the event.

Expressing his unhappiness Tomisin Babatunde said his target is to win 4 gold medals this year if he could still make to the two-leg championships in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

“Coach is still running around for money for me. If I am able to make I promise to improve on the two gold I won last year,” the 11 year-old lad vowed.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Danladi Bako Congratulates Paul Bassey on His Appointment

Published

7 hours ago

February 28, 2025

The Gleamer

Veteran Broadcaster Dr Danladi Nasir Bako has congratulated the newly appointed Commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom State Etubom Paul Bassey on his new role.

In a statement, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcast Commission said ” This is to heartily felicitate with you on your appointment as Honourable Commissioner of Sports , Akwa Ibom State.

It has been long in coming as your immeasurable contributions to sports in Nigeria and indeed Africa cannot be overemphasized as a member of various CAF sub-committees and Nation’s Cup organizing Committee.

Without doubt you were well tutored and mentored by the late legendary Orok Oyo , Issa Hayatou and Patrick Okpomo – all great sports administrators of repute.

We ran into each other in the mid-eighties within the sports ecosystem in Lagos and I have always since then , found you to be diligent, trustworthy, reliable and professional both as a person and as a renowned sports journalist.

Bako further said ” Surely Akwa Abasi Ibom will gain from your extensive global network as well as your durability and indefatigable character – all of which make you a priceless asset and veritable strategist and meticulous organiser.

“Our days on NTA 2 “Mastersports” programme created and produced by my humble self was a huge success and trailblazer essentially because we had a pillar like you in terms of passion for the games and unalloyed commitment to the dream.

“I believe you will bring more passion to the task you have been assigned” , Bako concluded

Share on Facebook