Gabriel Opuana, Chairman of the Nigeria Coaches Association, calls on multinational companies to support sports programs that develop athletes and coaches. He praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), which showcased over 3,000 athletes from nine states.
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The U.S.-based National Team Throwing Coach emphasizes that coaches are crucial in grooming athletes into finished products, highlighting their importance in the sports industry. He stresses the need for sponsorship to upgrade coaches’ skills and provide modern facilities and techniques, citing the US as an example where regular athletics events keep athletes competitive.
He said the Nigeria Coaches Association is open to partnerships for coach development and athlete identification, aiming to replace aging athletes with new talent.
The NDSF, supported by the NDDC, demonstrated the importance of sports development and the need to also sponsor the coaches training in the Niger Delta region.
The festival’s success has sparked calls for continued investment in athletes and coaches development programs.
Notably, the NDDC has been involved in various initiatives beyond sports, including healthcare and education. The commission recently launched a free medical outreach program in the Niger Delta region, providing healthcare services to underserved communities.
