The Edo State (football) Referee Association, a wing of Nigeria (football) Referee Association (NRA) on Saturday, held its first state fitness test in preparation for the national fitness tests ahead of the 2023/2024 football season in Nigeria.
The State fitness test which took place at the University of Benin Sports Complex main bowl, covered all active referees from grade three to one and all referees in training (RIT) inclusive.
The Fitness Test programme was officiated and supervised by Mr Uhunmwangho Mike Osagioduwu, a seasoned National Fitness Instructor.
Mr Uhunmwangho expressed his satisfaction with the high turnout of referees for the programme and congratulated the council for organising the state Fitness Test, which was the first of its kind. He described the trial test as the best thing for the referees in the State to check their level of preparedness for the national fitness which is around the corner. He also shared vital fitness and health tip with everyone present.
The Event was coordinated by the Council’s training department as led by the State Training officer, Mr Imuentiyan Imkponmwosa.
On the ground to support the State training officer in organising the entire programme were the executives of the state council along with other Elders of the Council. Notable among the Executive members who were present are; Mr Temigbe Roland who is the Deputy Chairman of the council, Mr Iruero Daniel( the first vice Chairman), Mr Okobi Sylvester ( Publicity secretary), Mr Oviawe Austin(Assistant Training officer) and Mr Omosigho Austin (the Assistant secretary).
The State Council Chairman, Mr Sylvester Okungbowa who was absent due to other official engagements spoke with platinumnewsng.com correspondent, Andrew Alibor via telephone interview. In his speech, he also echoed that the council desires to ensure that all referees from the state going for the next national are fully prepared, thus the need for the fitness test.
He also said that the referees of other grade levels not yet qualified for the national fitness test who participated at the state level should not just see the endurance race test as a strenuous activity but see it as part of the rudiments of becoming a successful referee.