Stakeholders of athletics in Nigeria have lauded the just concluded Zaria Athletics Grand Prix held at the Sports Complex of the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event on Wednesday, a former president of of the Nigeria Association of Technical officials (NATO), Goodluck Akpodeh, praised the organisers for a hitch free competition.
Akpodeh listed the advantages of the competition to both the participants, as well as the development of the sport of athletics.
“I commend the organisers for staging a glamorous event, despite the prevailing circumstances, as we are all aware how difficult the economy is,” Akopdeh said. “Being the first event of the year in this region, it has helped our athletes to check their fitness level and enhanced their performance.”
“This is not a league but an avenue for athletes to test their abilities and also make money for themselves and better their overall performance at the international level.”
The Assistant Secretary of Kaduna Coaches Association (KCA), Mark Orduen, said the change of date affected the tournament as about 700 athletes were billed to participate. However, he commended the 500 athletes who participated at the grand prix.
“I commend the organisers for putting together a colourful event, all the athletes were adequately taken care of,” Orduen said. “The change of date affected the number of athletes who were supposed to be here. Nevertheless, we recorded 500 instead of 700.”
“I commend those who came despite the short notice.I advice other stakeholders to emulate the organisers of Zaria Grand Prix.”
Director of the competition, Honourable Sunday Adeleye, says he was thrilled about the talents discovered and the overall impact of the event on the athletes. He noted that more events will be organised to enhance the fitness level of the athletes. Cash rewards were given to various winners of the Prix.
