Yali-Yali set for products launch

By Yomi Omogbeja (22/02/2006)

African and Nigerian 200 metres record holder, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has arrived in Nigeria for the launch of her sportswears company, Yali-Yali Enterprises.

Yali-Yali clothes line maiden launch is scheduled for February 28 at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos and the whole range of the line will be on display.

Onyali has won over 20 medals in African competitions and is widely regarded as the "African queen" of track and field both in Africa and in the USA where she lives.

The 37-year-old, who also manages the Mary Onyali Training Centre in Houston, Texas, said Yali-Yali sportswear line is designed with African Athletes in mind as the fabric has features that suit the African climate better.

The company is a result of investment by the former African track queen who confessed to had ploughed back all her earning from athletics into the set up as a way of helping Nigerians have assess to quality kits at affordable prices.

"For the 25 years that I've been in the track and field business, it has always been my desire to retire into a venture in which the sports can benefit in my country," said Mary.

"I think that I owe a lot to the society. And that is why I am launching my own outfit to enable our athletes dress well, look trendy to run faster.

"I just hope other past athletes will follow suit and give back something to the society that gave them all they have," she added.