By Amaechi Agbo

The emergence of the novel coronavirus also referred to as COVID-19 has impacted negatively on the development of sports in Nigeria, Bestchoicesports.com.ng reports.

Director, Grassroots Sports Development, Federal Minister of Youth and Sports, Ademola Are disclosed this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Abuja.

Dr Are who expressed hope that the post COVID-19 will make sports in the country bounce back, said that with the lockdown of the country and suspension of all sporting activities as well, the department’s programmes were equally affected.

“The department of Grassroots Sports Development in the federal ministry of youth and sports, has been affected like every other department in the ministry. Like every other government business that entails gathering and bringing people together.

“We have been affected especially for our major programmes which bring about young people in the country.

We are watching what is happening on ground and as soon as the environment is good enough, we will go back to normal,” he said.

On how Nigeria youths as well as the general public should exercise to keep healthy during the period, Mr Are advised them to be mindful of larger gathering and always adhere to government’s directives on social distancing as well as other hygienic measure put in place to curtail the spread of the virus.

He admonished them to avoid large gathering and instead, stay in their homes and do their daily exercises.

He noted that the youth and Nigerians generally should realise that they do not really need to go to packed area before they can do their exercise.

“You can stay in the confines of your homes and do these exercises. There are many things you can do. Go on internet, get some books and just do some stretches. You can do jogging or running on the spot and so many exercises within your compound, even in your sitting room.

“There are so many things you can do to keep fit but going out at this time without observing COVID-19 protocols is not advisable especially the social distancing, use of face mask and washing of hands.

“So it is advisable we stay indoors, be proactive, think out of the box and make yourself physically fit while you are still under lockdown or in the pandemic.”