Director of sports academy calls for more recreation centres at the grassroots

NAN-S-20
Sport
Omu-Aran (Kwara state) July 27, 2017 (NAN) Mr Yemi Aransiola, Director, Oyeyemi Sports Academy, in Omu-Aran, Kwara, has called for the establishment of more recreation centres to boost grassroots sports development.

Aransiola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, on Thursday that establishing the centers would go a long way to compliment inter-house sporting competitions among schools, especially at the grassroots.

He noted that such recreation spots equipped with modern sporting facilities, would also enhance the discovery of more talents for the country.

Aransiola, who decried the concentration of sporting activities and facilities in the state capital, noted that such could be a stumbling block to government’s efforts to resuscitate sport across the communities.

The director charged local government areas in the country to be more proactive in their responsibilities by channelling adequate resources to sport development.

Aransiola, said engaging in physical  exercises would helped to promote emotional health, physical fitness and increase general vitality.

He urged both old and young to exercise regularly so as to guide against life threatening disease.

“Such sporting activities or exercises include, running, walking, jogging, cycling and swimming,” he said.

He urged parents to always encourage their wards to participate actively in sporting activities.

Aransiola expressed the need for relevant government authorities to accord adequate priority to grassroots development.

“Our giant leap through grassroots sports remained unequal within the continent and likewise in the global scene.

“I think it is high government refocused their priority by channeling adequate resources in bringing back the country’s good old days in sporting arena.

“More recreation centres through private partnership need to be established to encourage the young ones.

“This is achievable with the collective efforts of every stakeholders in sport,” he said.

Aransiola disclosed that the academy has within its six years existence produced athletes who had represented the both the state and the country in local and international events. (NAN)
ISHO/DS/YAZ

Edited by Dauda Shehu