Great Organization, Magnificent Facility; Alexander Otasowie Praises Gymnastics Federation, Philip Shaibu

 

As part of its manifesto in repositioning Nigeria Gymnastics sphere, the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria under the leadership of Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse is currently on Day 5 of its week training, exposure of athletes, coaches and judges of the game as well as Gymnastics camp for West Africa countries ongoing at the ultra-modern gymnastics gym of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City of Edo State.

The week-long camp, the first of its kind in West Africa, has seen the presence of FYG experts from Egypt train coaches, judges and technical instructors from about seven countries in Africa.

Amongst participants at the week-long camp is a former gymnast and an administrator, Alexander Otasowie who couldn't hide but registers his excitement on this landmark.

"I started gymnastics from this State and I'm happy to be here not just for the fact that I'm a gymnast, but for the fact that my state is pioneering this for the country and this is something I take pleasure in."

"I also want to thank the president of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria who since he came on board as president has changed things. Himself being a gymnast is aiming to improve coaches, athletes and judges in the just concluded Level 1 course, a move to have a proper database to push the entire Gymnastics Federation forward."

"Nobody has ever believed this can happen in Nigeria, even the west African countries are amazed at what they have seen."

The excited Otasowie however heap praises on the Edo state government for putting in place the world-class gymnastics suspended gym.

"For the facility, this is the best we have in central West Africa and one of the best in another part of Africa. I'm a member of the UOG, the highest body for Africa and Edo state is pulling the whole of Africa and the whole world is monitoring. I'm amazed that this is happening in Nigeria."

"Now we are having this for the first time, bringing together the entire zone in West Africa. A big appreciation to the Government-Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu for putting in place this structure to help raise more gymnasts who train with modern facilities."

"More completions, more games would be coming and now that the international bodies have seen it, it's a clear indication that we can stage as many competitions here."

"The very recent commissioning we had in the world was in Germany, 2019, this is exactly what's there-suspended gymnastics gym-which look impossible, which means that way happened in Germany is happening here. Not only Edo is benefiting from this or the whole country, but West Africa is also benefiting from it and Africa is happy to showcase this as one of the best they have."

"For Edo state, it's good and as a federation, we can see that it's one of the best and we are happy to have the best. This is the best place you can have the national team train, no other place in Nigeria has this facility," Otasowie added.

Kelvin Erhunwmunse confirms Gymnastics Federation partnership with Japanese Government

Japanese Government has agreed to give scholarships to active Nigeria Gymnasts according to the President of Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse on Wednesday.

Prince Erhunwmunse revealed that the presence of the President of International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Morinari Watanabe in Nigeria and the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare made the scholarship possible. 

He assured Nigerians of more qualifications for the subsequent African, Commonwealth and Olympic Games adding that gymnasts will have access to equipment.

He said, "The coming of the President FIG, Morinari Watanabe to Nigeria has been very impactful because we were together with the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare in Japan where commitments were made.

"Nigeria gymnasts will gain scholarships to Japan to study and train; this has been sealed with the Japanese Ambassador. The training will among other things not only enhance the capacity building of the coaches/official, but also help improve the commitment of the gymnasts towards the game because of the conducive learning environment."

"Nigerians should expect more qualifications of gymnasts for the African, Commonwealth and Olympic Games. More equipment will be coming into Nigeria because few weeks ago, the President of FIG, Morinari Watanabe was in Nigeria for the second time and a lot of promises were made; Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria is moving to the next level," he added.

The Chairman of Edo State Gymnastics Association gave a breakdown on some of his achievements during his first term as President of Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria.

He said, "If you recall four years ago when I made promises that Nigeria will attend the African Games and win Gold medal as well as make her debut at the Olympic Games, it was as if I was making empty promises. Today, all I promised few years ago are all reality; the past board set a standard and are great achievements for the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria.

"We were able to train gymnastics coaches during the last dispensation and by the Grace of God, greater things are going to happen in Gymnastics."