Athletes Association awards N4.1m scholarship

Niyi Alebiosu, Lagos - 14.07.2008

Obafemi MartinsMEMBERS of Nigeria International Athletes Association (NIAA), which includes ex-internationals, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Chidi Imoh, Ajayi Agbebaku and other Nigerian world-class sportsmen, have awarded scholarship worth $35,000 (about N4.1 million) to seven Nigerian athletes as part of their contributions to move sports forward in the country.

The recipients who were selecetd through ballot from sports such as handball, basketball, tennis and track and field at the grassroots got $5,000 (N583,100) each from the non-profit organisation at a ceremony held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The beneficiaries included Ayodele Rotimi of Ogun State College of Health, Giwa Ayolesi of Navy Secondary School, Ogun State, Siyanbola Marian and Showunmi Babatunde, both of Yewa College and Idris Saka of Divine Inspiration Secondary School, Lagos.

One of the recipients, 14-year-old Idris Saka expressed joy and promised to buy pairs of boots and use the remaining for his school fees when asked what he would do with the money.

Onyali-Omagbemi stated that the organisation intended to provide for the needy and disadvantaged youths in Nigeria and the USA by giving them resources and support to achieve their God-given potential in education and sports while bringing honour and glory to their country.

She said: "Our mission is driven by our past experiences as competitive athletes and a strong conviction that if we play our part to support, care for and protect Nigeria's young and vulnerable athletes, they will train with enthusiasm, compete with unmatched determination, win numerous international laurels and transform Nigeria into a sporting powerhouse around the world. The NIAA is eager and willing to work with sports organisations, associations, individuals and corporate bodies anywhere in the world to achieve its mission.”