Gara Gombe harps sustainable sports development, as maiden Athletics prix, Seminar end
Chima Azubuike
Following the completion of maiden grand prix in Gombe State which included 100m, 400m, 1500m, long jump men and women, followed by 4×100m relay (demonstrations), Chairman State Amateur Athletics Association Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, says sports especially Athletics would develop when talents are harnessed.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that no fewer than 200 primary school students from the 11 Local Government Areas of Gombe State were among the spectators at the one-day meet at the Gombe Stadium.
The Chairman bemoaned previous happenings where people were picked from other strata to compete, adding that it hampers sports development.
Gombe made this disclosure in his address, during the completion of the prix in the state, saying it was geared towards inspiring the pupils to embrace athletics.
According to him, “There can be no sustainable development except a development through the grassroots because this serves as the factory to produce future stars.”
Gombe who also doubles as Special Adviser to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya on Strategy and Information Management, disclosed that money states expended on hiring mercenaries for competitions is enough to invest in discovering and supporting athletes across the country.
He noted that in the space of five years, Gombe State would reap from the fruit of the grassroot development, especially with his current approach.
“I have commenced a comprehensive talent hunt at the grassroots in Gombe State since I became chairman of the state Athletics Association and I believe the result would show in the next five years,” he added.
