By Okechukwu Emmanuel
The NOC athletes commission has issued an official statement to mark the end of the 2-day seminar and athletes forum.
The NOC athletes commission under the auspices of IOC/NOC at the media center in Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja released these statements below:
1. The forum expresses profound gratitude to IOC Olympic Solidarity, Nigerian Olympic Committee under President, Engineer Habu Gumel, Athletes Commission, for their commitment towards supporting Nigerian Athletes in all ramifications.
2. It also thanked the Honourable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors, and Staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for their usual cooperation.
3. It expressed optimism that despite the negative effect of Covid-19 on Athletes’ form, Nigerian Athletes will show class in Tokyo if necessary attention is given to their preparations.
4. Warns Athletes to be mindful of issues of dieting and relationships with backroom/support staff as these are essential elements to the doping status of every athlete. It urged the athletes to comply with the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Testing Agency (ITA) and National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADO).
5. Calls for proper recognition of the Nigeria Athletes Commission and all Athletes Representative of the Nations/Federation as well as giving an opportunity to have a voice and be inclusive in decision making relating to Athletes matters.
6. Furthermore, Athletes were admonished to realistically consider a field of academic study while enjoying the luxury presented at the peak of their careers, this they say would ensure an effective transition post-career lifestyle.
7. The commission advocated the duplication of the Athletes Commission in all federations to effectively cover the nooks and crannies of the country and allow tones of voices of Athletes to be heard.
8. It raised concerns over the lifestyle without the discipline of Athletes which most times have destroyed careers that were destined for greatness. Expert advice was offered on compliance with established medical guidelines to prolong the careers of Athletes in their chosen sport.
9. On rule 50, the forum enlisted the contents as stipulated in extant rules of IOC guidelines and encouraged Athletes to speak out against all forms of harassment and abuse, social injustice, and societal vices without making themselves as agents of a political movement. It also called for caution in utterances by Athletes through all media of communication.
10. The commission also spoke on the relationship with the media calling for healthy interaction between media-organizations in the country and Athletes whether in local and international tournaments. Athletes were advised to see the Media as their friends with who they can confide.
11. In conclusion, Special appreciation was sent to Femi Ayotunde, General Manager NTA Sports, Femi Johnson, Enefiok Udo-Obong, Dr. Dayo Ogunkunle, and the rests for their well-researched papers, articulated speech, delivery, time, and interaction as the Nigeria Athletes Commission bids to take its rightful place in line with the IOC movement and international best practices.
12. The Commission appreciated participants for their involvement in the renewed vision for career development and transition of Nigerian Athletes beyond the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games while wishing the country’s Athletes the very best in the Olympics.
The Statement was signed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Athlete Commission, Olumide Oyedeji as well as the Secretary of the Nigeria Athlete Commission, Bose Kafo.
