The president of Nigeria Wheelchair Softball Association, Dr. Sunday Odior has stated delight with the presence of officials from the global body at a three-day clinic the body organised this week in Lagos, Sports247 reports.
READ ALSO: Victor Udoh Turned Down Offer Of Holiday In Morocco By Bosom Friend, Then Died ‘Mysteriously’ In Abuja
Speaking after successful completion of the workshop on Wednesday, Odior said the clinic, which was staged in conjunction with Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCON), was handled by experts of the game led by world president of the sport, John Teegarden from United States of America.
The high-powered delegation also included Damon Isles, Joe Lemnar, Jason Stine and Nick Pryor, who took participants through how to play the game, as well as rules and regulations of the sport, coaching techniques and strategy.
Resource persons for the clinic also spoke on player development and inclusion, as well as practical sessions and drills and game management; following which Odior expressed gratitude to the world body for identifying with Nigeria in their plans.
He praised them for making Nigeria part of the process of developing the sport in Africa, with the country having played key roles in its introduction to eight countries, while efforts are on to take it to all 54 nations on the continent.
Odior, who also doubles as the second vice-president of Africa Wheelchair Softball Association, also thanked the world body for donating equipment, which he said will go a long way in moving the game further forward.
The softball buff concluded with a call on government, corporate bodies and individuals to join the task of lifting the sport higher and urged all sports lovers across the country to help in the development of the event for special athletes.
“I’m highly excited with the visit of no less a person than the World President. They not only came to impact knowledge of the sports to our coaches and athletes, but also with some equipment that will enhance the development of the sport.
“They deserve special commendation because they bought their flight tickets and paid for their hotels. They have many equipment for us but the cost of shipping it is the problem and that’s why am calling for corporate and government support.
“It should also be noted that this is not the first time they’re supporting us with equipment. Two years ago, when we hosted Ghana for the first international competition in Africa, they sent us 12 balls and six bats.
“They have also promised to send more equipment to us by August/September after their World series which will be of great assistance to us,” revealed Odior, who is also a senior lecturer at the National Institute For Sports (NIS).
Sports247 reports that the event coordinators, Jude Uwazie, the African president, and Dotu Bakare, technical director of Africa Wheelchair Softball Association, enthused that the clinic will sharpen skills of coaches and athletes in the sport.