The Chairman, FCT Badminton Association, Mohammed Usman Bappa, has unveiled plans for the sports in the nation’s capital with a focus on grassroots development, talent scouting and organise tournaments to discover and nurture young athletes
Usman Bappa revealed this when he paid a courtesy call to the FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, at his office in Area 3, Abuja on Friday.
He said plans are on to organise befitting tournaments across the FCT Area Councils which will provide among others the platform for scouting, nurturing, catching them young scouting initiative, preparation and discovery of talents for the FCT ahead of the National Sports Festivals and Youths Games 2025.
He assured that the FCT board will continue with the laudable projects initiated by the late chairman of the association, Gabriel Gbayan, who he described as a role model and an achiever.
“We have been meeting and working round the clock to get the game of Badminton in the FCT going as it has always been under our late Chairman, Mr Gabriel Gbayan. He is a model and we have resolved to keep the flag flying.
“We have over 40 Badminton clubs in the FCT and they are doing well. What we are doing and will continue to do is bring them together in a competition to be able to discover and harness raw talents that will make not only the FCT proud, but our country, Nigeria as a whole.
“Aside from other initiatives that we, as the FCT Badminton Board, is considering, we are already discussing the idea of putting together a period tournament plans that will cover all categories and playable age. This is taking Badminton to our educational institutions, especially, our primary and secondary schools to get them young and nurture them.
“We appreciate your reception and time for hosting us here today and we look forward as we also have the strong belief that our partnership and synergy will thrive for the betterment of sports in the FCT,” Bappa said.
FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, while appreciating the Association for their visit, expressed belief that there are better years ahead for the game of FCT under Usman Bappa. He commended the FCT Badminton family for always making the FCT proud at national competitions.
“I want to appreciate you for coming. This is a thing of joy for me. We have been working together and we will continue to work together.
“Badminton is one game I hold so dear to my heart. The reason is simple. You have always been a delight for the FCT whenever we go to competitions. Like some other games, you have continued to make us proud and we can only tell you to keep it up and do more.
“Let us use this moment to give you the assurance of our 100% support towards your programs, ideas and initiative. You have nothing to worry or fear about. The FCT Sports Department is solidly with you all the way. Don’t hesitate to come and approach us as we aare lways here to help and assist you and even partner with you.”
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