Sports Minister, Sunday Dare says 100m hurdles World Record holder, Tobi Amusan, and Olympic Games Long Jump Bronze medallist, Ese Brume have become role models to Nigerian youths due to their impressive performances while representing Nigeria.
Dare who spoke with journalists after the unveiling of Amusan and Brume as the Brand Ambassadors of Premium Trust Bank in Lagos on Wednesday said the two athletes must strive to come up with grassroots competitions that will be competed for in their names to spot more talents in both Athletics events.
The Sports Minister added that both athletes could make use of the grassroots competitions to mentor, support and bring young ones together to compete for the sole identification of hidden talents.
“What i expect to see very soon is to see a Tobi Amusan annual 100m hurdles competition or to see an Ese Brume Annual Long Jump competition. That is where it starts. You mentor them, support them and bring them together to compete,” Dare told journalists.
“Millions of Nigerians watch these athletes along with other Nigerian athletes compete at the Commonwealth Games. Millions of Nigerians are inspired. So many young ones are asking their parents how can we also be like Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and others?”
Dare lauded the Talent Hunt Programme instituted two years ago that has helped to spot about 11 young talents who have been assisted with subsidized education and support to travel for competitions.
“Two years ago we launched the Talent hunt programme managed by Mary Onyali. We have about 11 young talents in that programme. We support and subsidized their education and then we support them to travel for competitions,” he added.
