In preparation for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics Games, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has pledged to ensure the prompt release of funds to support Nigerian athletes.
The games, scheduled to take place from July 26th to August 11th in Paris, France are set to showcase the talents of athletes from around the world. According to a statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Diana-Mary Nsan, Minister Enoh emphasized the significance of securing funding promptly to facilitate comprehensive preparations for the Olympic Games.
He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to actively pursuing partnerships with private individuals and the corporate sector to bolster financial support for athletes, thereby setting them up for success on the global stage.
Drawing inspiration from the successful model implemented during the African Games in Ghana, where all athletes were insured, Minister Enoh pledged to build on that success by providing insurance coverage for Team Nigeria athletes. This proactive approach aims to mitigate risks associated with injuries and unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the welfare of athletes.
The minister also announced plans to implement salaries for grade-A athletes, aiming to provide ongoing support and motivation as they prepare for the Games. This initiative seeks to alleviate financial constraints, allowing athletes to focus wholeheartedly on their training and performance. Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s athletes, Minister Enoh affirmed their potential for success at the Paris Olympic Games.
Notably, Paris 2024 will witness the debut of breaking (also known as breakdancing) as an Olympic event, highlighting the evolving nature of sports inclusion at the global level. With the Games also marking the first instance of an equal number of male and female athletes, Nigeria looks forward to making its mark on the international stage, supported by robust preparations and unwavering commitment from the Ministry of Sports Development.
