A deaf table tennis player from Lagos State, Idayat Jimoh has heaped praise on the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode for motivating her to win a gold medal at the 19th National Sports Festival in Abuja.
Sports247.ng gathered that Jimoh thanked Ambode for supporting her and other physically challenged athletes to excel, amidst reports that the governor had approved instant cash rewards for medalists in Abuja.
The report out of Team Lagos’ camp further reveals that gold, silver and bronze medalists were rewarded instantly with N25,000, N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.
Officials of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) said the dole out is part of efforts to motivate their athletes to aim high in their events, while reward for any of their winning teams will also be provided.
After winning gold for The Centre of Excellence in female deaf table tennis, Jimoh thanked Ambode for making it possible for her to feature at the sports festival and eventually emerge tops.
Jimoh, who won the gold medal at the expense of River State’s Dupe Badmus, whom she defeated 3-1 in the women’s singles event, also thanked God for making her victory possible.
Jimoh added with sign language: “I won this final with the help of God and my governor, who has been supporting sports development in Lagos and made it possible for me to be at this festival.
“The encouragement giving to us by the government is so much. I feel so excited winning this match.
“My coach tried a lot and I’m happy that I played to instructions. I have a great ambition of winning more medals for Lagos State and I believe that by the Grace of God, it will be possible.”
