Nigeria Rowing, Sailing Federation pledges support for para-athletes

The Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation says the body will intensify efforts to enhance the capacity of para-athletes in the country.
The NRCSF Secretary, Bunmi Oluode, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos that the aim was to attract more physically challenged persons to the sports.
Oluode said: “We have a lot of plans mapped out to engage physically challenged people in all our water sports across the country.
“We are already working with the state associations and coaches to help in identifying likely budding talents.
“The president of the federation, retired Rear Adm. Festus Porbeni, is passionate and committed to the development of para-athletes in the federation, and we owe the growth to his support.”
Oluode told NAN added that the country’s impressive performance at the recently concluded International Para-Rowing Regatta in Gavirate, Italy, was a proof of the country’s potential in the sport.
No fewer than five athletes represented the country for the first time at the international para-rowing event which held from May 5 to May 10 in Italy.
He said: “For the first time, five para-rowers represented Nigeria at the international level and their impressive performance earned the country the 7th position on the world ranking in their category.
“This feat shows that the country has a lot to offer and can compete favourably with other athletes in the world.”
She, however, appealed to corporate organisations and philanthropists to support the federation in enhancing the profile of the sport.