Gombe State Amateur Athletics Association To Organise Two-day Technical Sessions
By Chima Azubuike
The substantive Chairman of the Gombe State Amateur Athletics Association, Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, says the state has only two trained coaches, recognised by National Athletics Association of Technical Officials.
Gombe, made this disclosure while announcing a two-day Athletics technical officiating coaching and sports management seminar to be held in Gombe State University, from 20th to 22nd 2023.
He disclosed that other activities to be featured at the grand prix include; 100m, 400m, 1500m, long jump men and women, followed by 4×100m relay (demonstrations), on 21st February, 2023 at Pantami Township Stadium.
According to him, his desire to conduct the training was due to the observed lapses at the National Sports Festival held in Delta, adding that the training would fish out new talents from schools, villages and communities in the state.
The chairman said, “In Gombe; we have only two qualified coaches. NAATO officials are non-existent. That’s the reason we are doing this. Train the trainers first, will go for talent hunt then organise competitions. The last National Sports Festival hosted in Delta State opened my eyes on the sordid state of AthIetics in Gombe.”
While lauding the epoch making grand prix, Gombe noted that it would attract professional athletes from other states, adding that it would rob off on the locals to emulate and strive.
“Is aimed at boosting the number of technical AthIetics officials in the state. Upon my appointment i had promised to ensure proper procedure for talent hunt and provide training facilities for Athletes discovered,” the chairman said.
