3 October 2011
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Austin Edeze has called on individuals and organisations to invest more in sports to aid sports development.
Edeze, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said growth of sports had been stalled because of over-dependence on governments for funding and other logistic needs.
?The various tiers of government in the country seem to be more interested in political and economic issues while relegating social issues, such as sports to the background most times.
?The private sector should complement government efforts to develop sports as such a move will have multiplier effect on the economy,? he said.
The NWF boss remarked that in countries where sports were accorded their rightful place, there was more private sector involvement in the running of sports.
?In these countries, the private sector oversees the administration of sports, while government provides the enabling environment for them to thrive.
?The case, however, is different here in Nigeria where the private sector sees sports as the sole responsibility of government and only contributes after persistent pressures from sports federation,? he said.
He suggested a collaborative effort among various sports organisations and the private sector to ensure appropriate knowledge of what it would take to invest in sports.
?The problem is that some private individuals and organisations feel that investment in sports is capital intensive which makes them to shy away from sports sponsorship.
?They don?t know, for instance, that the cost of successfully sponsoring a wrestling competition is not more than N5million, an amount they can easily use to add value to lives of the youth.
?There should, therefore, be an avenue for the private sector to educated and enlighten the public on sports investment to make them see it worth as venture and their social responsibility,? he said.
Edeze, noted that the private sector involvement in sports could come in various forms and not only by doling out money to sports federations and sponsoring competitions.
?They can sponsor the training of budding athletes in the country to expose them to modern sports techniques which can enhance their capabilities.
?They can also offer these athletes specialised endorsement deals which will enhance their economic wellbeing while also providing adequate facilities such as stadiums, gymnasiums to enhance athlete?s skills,? he said.
The NWF boss also urged the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa and relevant continental sporting bodies to check the over bearing influence of some forces on the continent on sporting issues and decisions.
AllAfrica ? All the Time
The rest is here:
Nigeria: Wrestling Boss Seeks More Private Investment in Sports
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