TheCable

The Gombe Athletics Association has partnered with technical officials from four states in the country to develop its athletes.

The states include Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, and Borno.

Speaking on Monday, Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, the chairman of the state’s athletics association, said the partnership would involve training the officials as well as athletes on the rules of the sports as they evolve.

“There is no denying the fact that our state has lagged behind in athletics in Nigeria, especially if our performances at recent national sports festivals are considered,” Gombe said.

“Therefore, we have decided to be proactive in our approach going forward and this is why we opted to partner with officials from other states that have advanced than we are so that in five years from now, we can begin to see ourselves moving forward steadily.”

An inter-primary schools athletics competition in Gombe state commenced on Saturday with over 1,000 boys and girls across 47 schools participating in the four-event scheduled to end on Tuesday.

“Our target at this point is to spot the talents that we can develop and nurture among the kids, and then sign a minimum of five years contract with them while watching them grow,” Gombe added.