There is no doubt that, to a large extent, Sport remains a major unifying factor among the people, states and nations. Nigeria, as a country is not left out of this reality.
However, even with the large numbers of promising talents in the country, the Sport sector is still very much underdeveloped. In the midst of this underdevelopment, emerged an essentially athletic school; the Sports University, which has now become a beacon of hope to young athletes.
Prince Ned Nwoko, the chancellor of the Sports University, Idumuje Ugboko, Delta state, and the present People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate, has received glowing accolades from performers, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, as the High Performing Centre of the Sports University makes its first outing, on Sunday, 29 January, 2023.
The High Performance Centre, is a non-degree awarding, autonomous part of the Sports University. With 80 percents practice and 20 percents academics. The idea behind the Centre is, to help nurture young athletes, pick the best performers and push them to national and international levels, where they can represent the country on behalf of the Sports University. The first set of athletes in the Centre would be on scholarship. Courtesy of Ned Nwoko.
Popoola Yinka, one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme, while expressing appreciation, stated that, although he is a professional coach that has worked with many sporting teams, he has never had opportunity like this in all his sporting life.
“I can confidently say that, this is the best thing that has happened to Nigerian athletes, especially the young ones. We appreciate Prince Ned for this great opportunity. If we had opportunities like this in times past, I believe, as a nation, we would have been doing better in sports. A quick check will reveal that, countries that are doing so well in sports, have access to opportunities like this.” Yinka said.
In the same vein, Anthony Emeji, one of the principal officers of the Sports University, lauded the Antarctica explorer, for establishing such an athlete’s dream school, with the sole aim of improving athletic performances, by providing the athletes with recent innovations in technology and best training methodology. Emeji noted that, most of the athletes in the High Performance Centre are precedent medalists, who has won gold, silver, and bronze respectively, in top levels sports competitions.
“We appreciate that one person that has made it possible for these athletes to be in their dream destination; Prince Ned Nwoko, whose idea is to give athletes a great life by portraying them to the world to showcase their God-given talents.” Emeji added.
