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A Group, Society for Promotion of Sports said on Tuesday that it would honour no fewer than 25 Nigerian sports philanthropists in its maiden “Prestigious Award”.
President of the group, Vincent Michael told newsmen in Abuja that the award would be organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
Michael said the award scheduled to hold in Abuja on Jan. 20, would be bestowed on deserving persons who had contributed to the development of sports in the country.
“The award was earlier scheduled to hold on Dec. 6 but has been postponed to Jan. 20, 2023 due to the ongoing National Sports Festival in Delta.
“We were forced to postpone the event as critical stakeholders, including the sports ministry, NOC and SWAN officials will be at the Sports Festival.
“It is primarily to give honour and recognition to those who deserve it in terms of contribution and support to sports at various levels.
“Over the years, Nigeria has been engaging in one sporting activity or the other with emphasis on the athletes and their coaches.
“But little or nothing has been said concerning the Nigerian sports philanthropists who have continued to invest their hard earned money to develop facilities, sponsor and support the athletes.
“Most of them have to sacrifice the comfort of their immediate families to provide for the athletes as and when due.
“Some of them single-handedly run sports clubs for several years. While most of them are still living, there are also others who have died without a formal “thank you” to them,” he said.
He said that it was a well known fact that when ones good gesture was appreciated, the donor would be encouraged to do more.
He said that the selection process cuts across support to local tournaments, major international sporting competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cups, All Africa Games, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
“The awards also has different categories ranging from veterans, emerging as well as governments.
“The event is expected to be attended by top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industries, sports men and women as well as other stakeholders,” he said.
He revealed that there would also be a launching and fundraising of N 1.5 billion for the Nigeria Grassroots Sports Facilities Development during the award ceremony.
He said the goal of the fundraising is to enhance the living standard of the Nigerian youth for a united and better country through sports.
“Nigeria has a comparative advantage as a result of the abundant talents scattered all over the country.
“We believe that the scholastic athleticism is a fundamental right of every youth.
“We intend to use the occasion to raise fund for the construction of 12 standard basketball courts, 12 standard tennis courts and 12 mini football fields at different public schools in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said. (NAN)
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