Sports
THE Nigeria Curling Federation (NCF) on Monday announced training clinic in Lagos where over 200 participants were taken through the rudiments of the sports, in the drive to create opportunities for budding talents.
A statement by Babatunde Samuel on behalf of the Federation, over 200 participants drawn from three different schools; Baptist Boys and Girls Academy and also Reagan Memorial college had lively sessions with instructors from the Federation.
The instructors, apart from introducing the enthusiastic youngsters to the rudiments of the unique sport, also offered professional counsel to the participants on how they could become the next big star from the country and, indeed from the continent.
Samuel added that at least five of the participants who were described as exceptional, have been pencilled down by the NCF officials.
“NCF is ready to expose them to further training that will see them becoming prolific young curlers.
“The participants are particularly motivated by this new adventure, having seen one of their peers who represented Nigeria at last year’s World Junior B Curling championship in Finland.
“Nigeria picked the first African ticket to the 2024 Youth Olympics scheduled to take place in the Gangwon Province, South Korea, from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1, in Finland.
“The Lagos Clinic was graciously graced by the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tunde Popoola, sponsored by the President of the Nigeria Curling Federation, Daniel Damola and the Secretary General of NCF alongside other executives of the NCF,” he said.
Samuel added: “The Federation, in spite of the challenges with funding, says it remains resolute in holding more clinics across the country.
“We are also targeting at popularising curling and also giving youths across the country a platform to become superstars.
“The NCF leadership hinted at plans for a series of training tours for the youth team that had qualified for next year’s Youth Winter Olympics.
“In April, the team will be in France before heading to South Korea in August and in December, to firm up the preparations for a glorious outing in the Gangwon Province
“We want to win Nigeria’s first Winter Olympic medal,” he said.
The NCF President declared, as he reiterated calls to corporate bodies, the government and well-meaning individuals to support his federation’s dream of making history.
-(NAN)
KN
Tags: Babatunde Samuel Nigeria Curling Federation Youth Winter Olympics
