The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Muhammad Salis Gamawa, has reaffirmed Bauchi State’s commitment to monitoring and nurturing young talents discovered within the state for future national and international championships.
Speaking at a scouting program organized by the Nigeria Gymnastics Federation in collaboration with the Bauchi State Gymnastics Association, Gamawa emphasized the state’s rich pool of young talents across various sports associations and the importance of fostering these abilities.
Represented by Salisu Garba, the Head of Planning at the Bauchi State Sports Council, Gamawa pointed out that the talents discovered during the event would be encouraged to showcase their abilities at all competition levels.
The commissioner praised the Bauchi State Gymnastics Association for its consistent efforts over the past decade, which have resulted in multiple medal wins at national youth games and sports festivals.
He also commended their role in organizing the event and discovering young gymnasts.
Ahmad Kawu Aliyu, the overseeing Director of the Bauchi State Sports Council, applauded the state commissioner for his dedication to transforming sports development in Bauchi to align with global best practices.
He urged other sporting associations within the state to emulate the Gymnastics Association by organizing similar events to scout and develop young talents from the grassroots level.
Alhaji Abba Muhammad Inuwa, Vice President of the Nigeria Gymnastics Federation, noted that the event’s objective was to discover young gymnasts, particularly from primary and secondary schools.
He mentioned that similar events are being held across all geopolitical zones in the country, with the federation planning to support state associations with equipment to enhance gymnastics at all levels.
National gymnastics coach and program convener, Bala Magaji Juwara, expressed satisfaction with the event’s success in identifying numerous young talents.
He urged sports officers from various schools to encourage their students to practice what they learned during the scouting program.
Participants, including students Chidera Victor, Hauwa’u Adamu Sulaiman, Jafar Sagir Abdulkadir, and Abdulrahman Umar Shehu, expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in gymnastics.
The event saw participation from thirteen secondary schools and seven primary schools, demonstrating a strong interest in gymnastics among Bauchi’s youth.
This initiative is part of Bauchi State’s broader strategy to invest in school sports and develop a robust pipeline of young athletes ready to compete on the national and international stages.
