….. Coach Erhunmwunsee Oni and his subordinate coaches appreciate Edo state government over the world class equipment on ground in the solid gym at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Edo Gymnastics Association hails Governor Godwin Obaseki over world class facilities, as Nigeria Gymnastics Federation (NGF) prepares for Invitational World Clubs Gymnastics Championship to be held in Canada, in November this year.
Coaches and athletes of the Edo State Gymnastics Association have showered encomiums on Edo State Government led by His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, for the huge investment towards the overall development of sports in the state, particularly the solid World class Gym on the ground for Edo Gymnastics Association.
The Head coach of Edo State Gymnastics Association who doubles as the Technical Adviser of the Nigeria Gymnastics Federation (NGF), Oni Erhunmwunsee, and some parents of Canada 2023 World Clubs Championship bound athletes gave the commendation
in a chat with sports journalists at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
They said that they were elated with the progress recorded by Edo State Gymnasts during the last National Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State, and the World Clubs Gymnastics Championship trials in Benin.
Coach Erhunmwunsee Oni noted that the successes came as a result of the huge investment in sports development in Edo State by Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Oni further hinted that Edo State Gymnastics Hall has the best equipment in West Africa, which has made it easy for its athletes to compete favorably among the best and be sure of excellent performance in all categories of the game.
“As the head coach of Edo State Gymnastics Association, we are doing this demonstration in this Gymnastics Hall to appreciate the government for what they have done for our Association.
“This is the only Gym in West Africa that has this kind of facility. It is the best and because of the huge investment put into this gym by the State government, World Gymnastics Bodies have approved this Gym for World Gymnastics competitions and championships.
“As I speak now, by November this year, some of our athletes trained in this new gym will be participating in the World Clubs Gymnastics Championship scheduled to hold in Canada.
“I’m happy to announce to you that out of 21 Athletes that will be representing Nigeria in Canada this year, Edo State alone has 14 among them.
“All these are made possible because of the World class facilities that the Edo State government has put in place for the development of the game in the state.
“Words are not enough to thank our Governor. And I want to use this opportunity to say that Edo State Gymnasts will continue to make the State proud in both local and international competitions.
“So, we are indeed very grateful to the Governor and his Deputy for providing this conducive environment for our young athletes to showcase their talents and develop”, coach Erhunmwunsee enthused.
The National Gymnastics coach added that soon, Samuel Ogbemudia’s World class facilities will become the new destination for Gymnastics teams from some West African nations who have indicated interest to start coming to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to make use of the World class equipment on ground.
According to him, other States in Nigeria are also coming to train their athletes with this equipment.
“So, Edo State government is a blessing to Nigeria and West Africa Gymnasts”. Coach Erhunmwunsee emphasized, adding; “We are very happy about this innovation in our state sports sector”.
Also speaking, one of the parents whose five-year-old daughter is among the 14 qualified athletes invited to Canada, Peter Idu, commended the state government for their developmental strides in sports.
“I want to thank our Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for this initiation. The Gym is equipped to world-class. This is where my little daughter trains. I brought her here just a few months ago to join Edo State Gymnastics, and now she is qualified to represent Nigeria in Canada. Is this not amazing and commendable?
“I’m indeed very happy and confident that before this girl will get to ten years, she will be looking at representing Nigeria at the Olympics”.
“Edo State is blessed in sports and I am proud of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, for changing the narratives in Edo .” He said.
