NAN-S-9
Sponsorship
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, July 3, 2017 (NAN) Henry George, an international kick-boxing referee, has advised state associations to intensify their sponsorship drive toward the development of the sport at the grassroots.
George told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that state associations should do more by organising competitions that would enhance talents’ discovery.
“They should set up committees comprising of tested and experienced hands that will organise competitions and attract sponsorships for the sport.
“It is only through competitions that budding talents will be discovered.
“The committees must be given targets to achieve while marketing the sport so that they can to attract sponsors that can finance their programmes.
“The good thing is that grassroots’ competitions do not encourage monetary rewards, but incentives such as stationery, gift items and scholarships to the participants.
“Most national and international athletes who are doing excellent well today were discovered at the various grassroots’ tournaments.
“So we need to ensure that our foundation for sports excellence remains active,’’ he said.
George said that state associations should plan their programmes to interface with the annual calendar of sports’ academy to attract students’ participation.
“Normally, students are bored after examinations and as such, they look for activities to engage themselves.
“It will be appropriate to organise activities to engage them,’’ he said.
The international referee, however, called on the national federation to organise refresher courses and technical support for personnel in state associations.
“The parent body must be responsible to the associations that are affiliated to it by encouraging them through organization of activities as part of their quest to discover potential national champions.
“They can also achieve this by organising refreshers’ courses for the state coaches and giving technical support to the associations,’’ he said. (NAN)
MIL/DEB/PAD
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Edited by Peter Dada