A call has been made to all Sports Federations in Nigeria to embrace “catch-them-young principle” as deliberate policy of grassroots Sports development.The call was made by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung at the closing ceremony of the 6th edition of T.I.G International Gymnastics Level System (Children Gymnastic display) Championship held at the Package ‘B’ of the National Stadium Abuja on Sunday 28th November 2016.
Barrister Dalung called on other Federations to emulate Nigerian Gymnastic Federation in reaching out to school children at local level to fish out budding talents at the tender ages in order create talent reservoir by catching them young in the country.
The Minister who stated that campaign for grassroots Sports is already gathering momentum also described the event as an initiative that will help determine the future of Sports in Nigeria.“Here gathered are future Olympians, future African Champions, Common Wealth Champions etc”.
He assured that the Federal Government is determined to change the face of sports from service sports to development sports in Nigeria and advised parents to always encourage as well as support their wards to participate in sporting activities like this, because it helps develop them physically , socially, mentally, morally and enable them imbibe leadership qualities.
Earlier, in his remark, the President of Nigerian Olympic Committee, Egnr Habu Gumel described this event involving children as very vital to sustainable sport development. He promised that Nigerian Olympic Committee(NOC) will always support the Nigerian Gymnastics Federation towards encouraging these promising children gymnast who are future Olympians.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of medals to children participants that distinguished themselves from gymnastic displays.
Present at the occasion are the staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, invited guests, sport dignitaries and parents of the participating children.
MR MUDI DALHATU
For Director (Press)
