Tokyo Olympics: Dare visits US-bound athletes

Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, while addressing Team Nigeria's Relay team before leaving to the United States, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.

As preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics get to the climax, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, on Monday 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, Dare urged them to remain focused in unity.

“I have been monitoring your preparations and have met most of you personally. Whether you are home-based or foreign based, Team Nigeria is one hence, we decided to take you to the US to join other athletes so that you can blend as a team,” he said.

He showered encomiums on some athletes, saying the future is bright for Nigeria to have podium performances at the Olympics.

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He commended the performance of Tobi Amusan who was adopted a few weeks ago by Ogun State and who now has the second world best time; as well as Grace Nwokocha and Adegoke Enoch who got adopted by the Minister under the ‘Adopt an Athlete Initiative’.

While emphasising the importance of athletes’ welfare, Dare revealed that the Ministry had put in place a detailed programme for the athletes where every trips, meets, timing, accommodation is being monitored.

Dare urged the athletes not to be distracted saying: “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.”