By Amaechi Agbo

The Federal Capital Territory Area Council Sports Officers have lauded the pragmatic initiatives of the FCT Handball Association in remodeling the FCT Handball Court at Area 10.

The Sports Officers who stated this during a parley with the board of the FCT Handball Association on April 5, commended the Chairman of the board, Ambassador Edward Olutoke for his visionery leadership.

The Sports Officers from Kwali, Kuje, Bwari, Gwagwalada and AMAC Councils expressed hope that the current board will turn around the fortune of handball in the FCT

In his speech, Bwari Area Council Sports Officer Egbunu Jacob said the parley was timely and fruitful.

“I want to thank the Chairman and the board for this great union today. We have seen your laudable tracks within few months in office. Remodeling of the FCT Handball Court is highly commendable. I have not doubt that this board is the best thin that have happened to FCT Handball,” said.

On his part, the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC Sports Officer, Mr Peter Samson praised the board for their pragmatic initiatives as well as launching of Supporters Club, which he said was the first in the sport

“This gathering today is a manifestation of the pragmatic leadership in the board championed by the able Chairman, Ambassador Edward Olutoke.

“Few months in office, you singlehandedly remodeled the FCT Handball Court and also launched the FCT Handball Supporters Club. The first of its kind in the sport,” he stated.

They however presented their various challenges in the development and promotion of handball in their areas to include lack of fund, lack of space for training and lack of sponsorship to host competitions

Responding on behalf of the FCT Handball Association Board, the Chairman, Ambassador Edward Olutoke thanked the Sports Officers for honouring the invitation stressing that the meeting was a productive one.

“I want to thank all of you for honouring this invitation. I appreciate this respect you accorded us. We also appreciate your commendation. You have encouraged us to do more, and that is what we will do,” he said.

On the challenges facing handball at the various Area Councils, Ambassador Olutoke promised that the board will work in synergy with the Sports Officers for the development of handball in the hinterland.

“The problems you mentioned are obvious. We are not going to leave you behind. We will work in synergy for the development of handball across the FCT.

“We will support you to develop the handball sport in your area. We encourage you to also do your best, think outside the box on ways we can synergise to develop the game in your various Councils.

“I also encourage you to keep in touch with us. Whatever challenges you are facing, let us know. At the same time, make efforts to organise competitions at your councils. Through that, you will create awareness and we will come in to support you,” he said.

The Sports Officers from the five Area Councils of AMAC, Kwali, Bwari, Kuje and Gwagwalada were present while Abaji registered his absence.