The Kwara State Sports Commission kicked off its closed training camp for athletes preparing for the National Sports Festival (NSF) Gateway 2024 on Saturday evening.
The camp, aimed at fine-tuning the athletes’ skills, was launched with a charge from the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Coach Bola Mogaji, who urged coaches to implement effective training strategies to ensure peak performance at the festival.
Addressing the athletes, Mogaji emphasized the importance of disciplined preparation, noting that athletes aiming to excel should have begun training five months prior. “At this stage, coaches must apply the right training techniques to maximize the athletes’ potential,” he said. He also called on the athletes to adhere strictly to camp rules and focus on their objectives.
Mogaji, a former athlete himself, reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing athletes’ welfare. He announced that open camp allowances would be disbursed on Sunday morning, with closed camp allowances to be paid before the team departs for the festival. Additionally, he confirmed that athletes would retain their march-past attire, canvas shoes, and jerseys provided for the event.
Earlier, Mallam Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports, advised the athletes to maintain good conduct and follow camp regulations. He encouraged them to report any challenges through proper channels.
A roll call of athletes, organized by sport, was conducted to confirm attendance at the camp.