Minister visits US-bound athletes, Team departs on thursday

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As preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics intensifies, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare on Monday 3rd May visited the Athletes who have been training at the Moshood National Stadium Abuja preparatory to their departure for USA on Thursday to participate in relay Qualifiers.

While addressing the Athletes, the Minister urged them to remain focused in unity. “I have been monitoring your preparations and have met most of you personally. Whether you are Homebased or foreign based, Team Nigeria is one hence we decided to take you to the US to join others so that you can blend as a team”

The Minister showered encomium on some athletes, saying the future is bright for Nigeria to have podium performances at the Olympics. He commended the performance of Tobi Amusan who got adopted few weeks ago and who now has the second World best time, Grace Nwokocha and Adegoke Enoch who got adopted by the Minister under the Adopt an Athlete Initiative.

While emphasizing the importance of Athletes welfare, Mr Dare revealed that the Ministry had put in place a detailed program for the Athletes where every trips, meets, Timing, accommodation is being monitored.

The Minister urged the Athletes not to be distracted “Your job is to run and give this country the best; Focus on your training and the goal ahead and leave the administration to us. The world is waiting to see what you can do,you must meet their expectations”