Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) inspectors signed off from their two-day visit to Asaba, Delta-State over the weekend by praising the city’s level of preparedness to host the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships in August.
Team leader Gerard Vivian Gungaram, who is the Vice President of the CAA, and Lamine Faty, Chief Executive Officer of the African Athletics body, were both on the ground to ascertain Nigeria’s readiness to host the biennial championship.
On Sunday, the CAA officials went around the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, visited the warm-up area, main track, media area, technical, VIP and the VVIP rooms.
The inspection team also visited the equipment room to see first-hand the equipment that have been acquired by the hosts.
After an extensive exercise, the CAA officials expressed great satisfaction with what was on the ground; noting that the equipment already in place are not only new but they are the required standard for the African championship.
According to a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head Media, and Publicity for Asaba 2018, the visiting CAA officials were elated that the hosts have even more than what is required of them for the continental championship.
Vivian Gungaram led the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) inspection team visit Asaba, Nigeria host venue of the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships / Photo: LOC
The CAA officials were taken round by the Head of Technical for Asaba 2018, Yussuf Alli who explained in detail the innovations being planned to make the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships the best ever.
In his remark, Gungaram who also doubles as the Director, Technical of the CAA commended the LOC for how far they have gone and what they already have in place.
He, however, called on Alli and his team to hasten work in few areas still lacking.
The LOC Chairman, Solomon Ogba thanked the CAA officials for the visit and assured that the Delta State Government is leaving no stone unturned in making Asaba 2018 a memorable one.
“I must say the Governor is personally interested in this project and he has been giving us all the support needed, Asaba 2018 will bring lasting legacies to Delta State” he assured.
Apart from Ogba, those on the facilities tour inspection with the CAA officials include the Asaba 2018 the LOC Vice Chairman Tony Okowa, Consultant to the championship, Bukola Olopade and Head of Security sub-committee, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama.
Meet The Authors
Mr Eludini is a Nigerian-based journalist and news researcher with a passion for athletics and football. Tunde is a staff reporter for Premium Times newspaper, and also a regular contributor to AthleticsAfrica.
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