For world paravolley instructor, Robinson Tumwesigye, Nigeria has athletes capable of ruling the continent in the nearest future, if the zeal to succeed shown by the country’s Federation President, Kayode Oladele, is anything to go by.
Paravolley Africa held a level one course for African referees and coaches, in collaboration with the Nigeria Paravolley Federation, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Speaking with The Guardian, Tumwesigye said Oladele’s sheer willpower ensured that the course was hosted in Africa for the first time. He added: “I know those who took part in the course across the continent do not realise how much they have saved by the Nigeria Paravolley Federation accepting to host the course on behalf of Africa.
“This is an international course that if it were to hold outside Africa, would have cost a lot of money when you think of the cost of flight, accommodation and feeding. We are talking about a cost that would have been very expensive to bear by many of the participants.
“Mr. Oladele was responsible for the flights and accommodation of the officials because the fees paid for the course can’t be compared to what he spent.”
“Anyone who passes the course, either as a coach or referee, will be given a certificate, which qualifies him or her to handle a team or officiate at any event on the continent. While those who excelled more than the rest will proceed to the Level Two Course, and if successful, will qualify to either coach any national team in the world or be a referee at any organised international event in the world.
“However, the Level Three Course qualifies one for the Olympics, either as a coach or a referee.”
Speaking on the future of Paravolley in Nigeria, the world instructor, who is also a coach and a referee, said the country possesses athletes that are capable of taking over the leadership of the sport in Africa.
“When you look at Nigeria, they are capable physically and financially. They have got a stretcher that is ripe for the sitting volleyball sport. With the zeal of the country’s federation president in the sport, trust me, Nigeria is already a powerhouse in the sitting volleyball,” he said.
Oladele, who expressed satisfaction with the course, said the event afforded the federation opportunity to gather together the number of athletes the country has.
“The event is a good one and it is opportunity to give the athletes the requisite support they need as paravolley players. I didn’t have to pay anything for the course to hold in Nigeria. I think, basically, it was because of the relationship I have tried to build with the world body at the shortest time that led to playing host to the course.
“What I have seen here is really amazing and very outstanding. Bringing worldclass training to Nigeria is really great. I didn’t expect all that I saw, but I am really impressed with what I saw.
“Now, we can boast high standard in the sport, the right regulation and so many things on the course. We are looking forward to hosting Africa and if we succeed, then we can think of hosting the world,” he stated.
