By Aderonke Ojo
Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), has commended the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) for its grassroots development programme.
Gumel said the initiative could help produce future Nigerian Olympians and strengthen the country’s presence in international gymnastics.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gumel spoke in Abuja at the 3rd North Central Regional ‘Catch Them Young’ Gymnastics Festival.
The festival, under the theme ‘Building Bridges, Renewing Hope for the Future Generation’, attracted 40 coaches and more than 200 pupils from 29 schools.
It was organised as part of efforts to establish gymnastics clubs in public and private schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“This is grassroots development, and grassroots development is what we want so that we can catch them young,” Gumel said.
He urged coaches to combine proper training with education, noting that some participants could represent Nigeria at future Olympic, Commonwealth and African Games.
Gumel expressed confidence in the development of gymnastics and said the NOC would continue working with the GFN and National Sports Commission (NSC).
He said taking the programme to different parts of the country would increase awareness and participation in gymnastics.
Gumel also expressed hope that Nigerian gymnasts would participate in the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games.
He said the federation’s grassroots programme could provide a pool of athletes for future international competitions.
Bukola Olopade, NSC Director-General, represented by Assistant Director of Sports, Rita Mosindi, said gymnastics taught children discipline, balance, courage, concentration and perseverance.
Olopade commended the GFN, coaches, parents and other stakeholders for investing in young Nigerians and urged participants to remain committed.
“To our young gymnasts, believe in yourselves, listen to your coaches, work hard, and never be afraid to fall,” he said.
He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to programmes that introduce children to sports early, identify talents and provide opportunities for development.
Kelvin Erhunwunse, GFN President, said the ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative was part of a nationwide plan to develop 30,000 young gymnasts.
He said the programme also aimed to create about 1,000 coaching jobs through its zonal implementation across the country.
Erhunwunse said the programme had already been taken to Edo in the South-South and Bauchi in the North-East.
“The purpose of this event is to create an opportunity for your children to practise the game, get to know the game and then start competing,” he said.
He said participating schools would receive gymnastics equipment, while talented athletes could access international scholarships and training opportunities.
Erhunwunse, also a Vice-President of the African Union of Gymnastics, said the federation had partnerships with Japan, China and Türkiye.
He said the partnerships would provide opportunities for Nigerian gymnasts to access international training programmes.
Abba Inuwa, GFN Vice-President, said focusing on young children was necessary because gymnastics required athletes to begin training early.
Inuwa said the federation was also training Nigerian coaches and judges to international standards, creating employment opportunities within and outside Nigeria.
A 13-year-old gymnast, Oluwasemilore Adeoye of Apex Gymnastics Club, expressed excitement over the turnout and appealed for improved equipment and facilities.
Her coach, Aliyu Joshua, described Adeoye as hardworking and disciplined, saying greater awareness and investment would attract more young participants.
Another Apex gymnast, 17-year-old Munyal Kwairanga, said reaching higher levels required dedication, concentration and consistent training.
Kwairanga called for improved equipment to enhance training and reduce injuries.
Another gymnast, Apoti Teresa, said gymnastics offered young people opportunities to develop creativity and inspire younger athletes.
Teresa expressed confidence that Nigerian gymnasts could compete successfully internationally with adequate support.
NAN reports that the Abuja festival is part of the GFN’s nationwide grassroots initiative to expand participation and establish school-based gymnastics clubs.
The programme also seeks to identify young talents and develop athletes, coaches and other professionals in the sport.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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