Judokas woo kiddies to mat

In pursuance of their sworn promise of better fortunes for Judo and Judokas in the country, the Federation saddled with the responsibilities, have embarked on another programme. This programme, nigeriasports.com gathered, is aimed at catching them young and not letting them off the hooks again through very interestinlgly attractive programme.

In a chat with nigeriasports.com in the Sportscity, the national chief Judo coach, Mr. Ihaza Edokpolor told us that, the programme, which would be a week-long affair, was intended to get the "children together and teach them the basics of the art of Judo." According to Edokpolor, the programme, first of its kind in the country, was one of the initiatives introduced by the Federation in pursuance of their promise to farther spread the gospel of the game across the nation.

"It is hoped that, this would create further awareness and interest in the Martial Art of Self Defense and Discipline. We do hope that, the progromme, which is quite a laudable initiative, would generate the desired goal. The number of children on the first day was although, not quite impressive, but it is hoped that, in two or three days', it would rise to quite an appreciative height," the bearded Edo State-born Judoka stated.

The Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF had earlier held a Seminar for mediamen; an event which they hoped also, would further generate not only interest, but assist them to sensitize the public through professional reporting the ideals of the Martial art, called Judo. Before the current programme, which is by and large meant for the youths, the NJF had organized seminars for judo referees and held a series of national trials aimed at getting a formidable team that will bear the nation's flag at the next Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Austrialia.

Speaking with nigeriasports.com, Secretary of the Federation, Mrs. Tayo Oreweme said that, the body was all se,t more than ever before, to see that the game grows from one level to the other in the country. "We have lined- up quite a number of events that are aimed at raising the standard of the game both in practice and officiating in the country. What we are doing now in the Indoor SportsHall of the National Stadium, Lagos, is just but one in the series."

She lamented that, for sponsorships, Judo would have attained a higher horizon in the country. She stressed that, the game had been here for such long time, enough for it to have risen beyond the level it finds itself today among other African countries. "We will do all within our reach to ensure that, whenever Judo is mentioned in Africa, Nigeria's name would come first.

"Right now, one of our nagging limitations, is sponsorship. We do not have sponsors, who are willing to come to our aid; and one of the reasons for this, according to our findings, is the low mention which Judo enjoys in our media...this is why we are and will continue to appeal to the media, to also come to our aid by giving us some mentions as they do football. Judo is a high medal-winning sport and if we could get enough sponsors for our developmental and preparatory programmes, the sky would be our limit."