As Gymnastics Federation’s Club/Association Championship End In Benin.
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria’s Club/Association Super Championship climaxed on Friday, August 5th, 2022 at the ultra-modern gymnastics hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin on a glamorous note as gymnasts from across the country put up fascinating performances to cart home laurels.
The two-day event saw gymnasts of various categories fight hard for medals from day one and thrilled the spectators with an exciting view on the last day of the event with freestyle exhibitions to wrap up the championship.
Presentation of medals and trophies by top dignitaries led by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Amiemenoghena Chikere, Hon. Emmanuel Akhaba and the Director of Sports, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr Donatus Arewah who bows out of service on Monday 8th August 2022, promptly followed the competition.
In his vote of thanks, the President of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Otasowie Ehrunmwnse thanked the state government for the full support given to them for the championship and praised the state’s Sports Commission for maintaining the world-class facility and adding to the already well-equipped gymnasium.
Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu declared the event closed in his trademark encouragement and charge to the athletes to keep heads up and remain competitive in all they do. “I want to congratulate all of you, both those with medals and those without medals. Also, I want to thank the parents for allowing these children to exercise their talents.”
“I want to thank the federation for this program and I’m highly excited that this is taking place in Edo State – Edo is the joke of gymnasts as we are naturally gifted.”
“The Edo State government has invested in gymnastics all thanks to the Governor who wants Edo to return to its rightful position and as well turn Edo to a tourist centre for sports.”
Speaking about the hall, the only suspended hall in Africa, the Deputy Governor revealed that it took them forty days and night to put up this structure ready for competition.
“We will continue to support sports and have decided that never again shall we have athletes that would not be trained or learned. Do not forget that sports have a life span and you must return to your skills or profession after a sports career, so the commission has this as one of its cardinal objectives.”
He ended his speech by charging the young gymnasts and depositing in them the belief spirit that Olympics winners will one day come from them: “From you, we will have Olympic gold medalists in no time, just remain competitive and disciplined.”Edo State emerged as the overall winners of the competition with the Body Language Gymnastic Club of Lagos coming second and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja taking the third position.