Senator John Enoh, the minister of sports development, has told Nigerians that no sport will be overlooked in the nation and that grassroots sports will receive particular attention.
According to NAN, Enoh made this statement on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Nigerian delegation that had travelled to Malta to compete in the Malta Gymstars International Championship.
The team of young gymnasts from Nigeria competed in the 15-nation competition in Cottonera, Malta, according to a statement from the Minister’s Media Aide, Kola Daniels.
He said that the seven juvenile gymnasts on the Nigerian TIG team, under the direction of Coach Tony Asuquo, won a total of 23 medals.
He said that the Minister complimented the delegation for making Nigeria proud on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Enoh commended the TIG Gymnastics club for promoting gymnastics in Nigeria, according to the release, and urged them to continue following through on their commitments.
He stated:
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I congratulate you all for the enormous feat. I regard this as very tremendous efforts.
“Your private efforts have benefited our country a great deal. It’s amazing what you all have done in faraway Malta.
“I am here to encourage the efforts you’re making as youngsters. We will ensure that no sport suffers neglect, as our attention will spread across all sports, with special attention to the grassroots.
“While education is important, we also want to help budding stars grow their talents and fulfil their potential,” he said.
Enoh added: “We want kids to grow up knowing that, even as a gymnast, they can get to the world stage and do great things.
“As minister of sports, I will remain very interested and committed to the growth of our youngsters.”
Anthony Asuquo, the TIG Club’s founder and head coach, reportedly claimed that seven junior gymnasts who competed for their nation earned eight gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals.
“Chiwendu Okpanku emerged the third best in the world and number one in the Vault category,” the statement said.
cc: Vanguard Ng
