Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
No fewer than 200 youths from ages six
and 20 years are participating in the two Day SamKay Athletics Academy Clinic in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The clinic is organised by the SamKay Athletics Academy in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Athletics Association and is taking place at the tartan tracks of the Samson Siasia Sport Complex,Yenagoa.
Chief Executive Officer of SamKay Athletics Academy, Dr.Kolawole Oredipe, who is the organiser of the event, said the two-
Day event was designed to expose young people to track and field events.
He expressed the optimism that the effort would produce future national and world champions.
The event, which the organisers said is
the first of its kind with participants expected
to take part in various events from sprints, middle and long distances as well as field events.
Participants would also be taught rudiments of athletics, nutrition and benefits of sports to economic well-being.
Secretary of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association, Tari Bidei charged the young athletes to aspire for greatness just as others such as Aleibiri-born Tima Godbless, was discovered from schools sports and now making waves in sprints.
Renowned athletics Coach, and Technical Director of SamKay Academy, Terry Maurice, himself a former marathoner in an orientation session challenged the aspiring athletes to exhibit a high level of discipline, dedication and self motivation to succeed in the sport.
Head coach of the Athletics in the State Sports Council and former Javelin African champion, Coach, Pius Bazighe, urged parents to support their children to actualize their potential.
Some students selected from the SamKay Athletics Academy Secondary Schools Meet in Yenagoa in January this year joined hundreds of aspiring athletes from across Bayelsa State for the Athletics Clinic, taking part in sprints, middle and long distances, and field events.
The Day 2 activities will resume on Today.
