Six athletes win gold at Thorpe Borode Youth & Sports tournament in Ibadan

By Olawale Olaniyan

Winners have emerged at the sixth edition of the Thorpe Borode Youth & Sports Foundation (TBYSF) Taekwondo Tournament held at the Indoor Hall of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Six athletes clinched gold medals as overall champions in their respective weight categories, while another six secured silver medals. All other participants were awarded bronze medals in recognition of their efforts and participation.

ALSO READ: Team Edo crowned champions of Niger Delta Games

This year’s edition featured six male and six female Taekwondo athletes competing across six Olympic weight categories, representing 11 Local Government Areas in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event once again showcased the depth of grassroots talent in the state, with participants displaying impressive skill, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Speaking after the presentation of prizes, the founder of the foundation, Engineer Temitope Borode, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment beyond sports.

According to Borode, the vision of TBYSF is to raise a generation of athletes who are “strong in body, sharp in mind, and resilient in spirit” through mentorship, vocational training, and continuous recognition.

He expressed delight at the quality of performances on display, saying, “I am thrilled with the energy, passion, and talent showcased by these athletes. What we are building here goes beyond the playing mats. We are building bridges from the mats to boardrooms, to businesses, and beyond.”

He revealed that the foundation will begin supporting selected registered athletes from the 11 local governments in Oyo State with vocational training to ensure they have sustainable career paths alongside their sporting ambitions.

The foundation, he explained, rolls out application forms annually, allowing interested athletes to indicate their local government areas before teams are selected for the tournament.

“What we noticed in the past year is that after supporting some athletes, they still come back seeking financial help. That is why we are focused on giving them a sustainable future,” he said.

“There are only three things that can end a sports career: injury, age, or death. There must be something else that stands as insurance. That is why TBYSF is introducing vocational training this year.”

He further announced that outstanding athletes from the tournament would receive free Information Technology training to equip them with the digital skills necessary to compete in today’s global economy. The foundation is also partnering with prominent entrepreneurs in Ibadan to support the winners.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of Operations at TBYSF, Jennifer Eniade, emphasised that the foundation’s mission is rooted in youth and community development.

“The aim of this foundation is to foster youth and community development and empower young athletes, especially those who have not yet been signed or are just starting their careers,” Eniade said.