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By Niyi Busari

The Nigeria Olympians Association, NOA, on Tuesday inspired and enlighten the students of Africa International College, Abuja on benefits of education and sports.

NOA through its project, Building of Champions reached out to the suburb area in search of talented athletes at the grassroots. They exposed the students to the benefits of combination of education and sports, while carrying out the Olympians service to the society, they restored hopes in the students who wish to combine sports with education while speaking with the students. They urged the future stars to be disciplined and dedicated to their set goals.

NOA is an association of sports men and women who participated in the Olympics Games representing Nigeria. It consists of men and women who have made remarkable achievement in their various fields of sports.

Led by its President, Olumide Oyedeji, the Secretary and two-time Olympic medallist, Eneefiok Udo-Obong, Olympics double medallist Falilat Ogungoya, gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa, five-time Olmpian, Bose Kaffo, Olympic medallist, Ekuta Catherine Ewa and former the President of the association, Henry Amineke inspired the students to see themselves as champions and that no one can stop them from being what God has destined for them to become in life.

NOA President and former D’Tigers captain, Olumide Oyedeji reiterated that the association will leave no stone unturned in discovering hidden talents through its project ‘Building of Champions’ by going on to become world champions.

“We are out to build champions from the hidden talented grassroots sports boys and girls using our project ‘Building of Champions’. This will be achieved by discovering hidden talents and expose them to the platforms with which to showcase their skills to the world. No doubt, Nigeria is blessed with talents in the grassroots, and until we search, discover, train and encourage them, they may end up not realizing their dreams. We need to give back to the society from which we all grow up.” The former Orlando Pirate player said.

Coach Ekuta Catherine said the program (Building of Champions) will propel the students and grassroots athletes to achieving their dreams in life.

“These kids are actually very fortunate because it’s not every school that does this kind of program for kids. This program is going to go a very long way in developing these kids in sports and apart from that it will also change their perspectives on what a sport person is.”

“In the past we always feel that sport person don’t go to school, there is this sensitization that without education you cannot be a very good sport person. So, it’s going to help them not now but in future, I’m so happy that I’m involved in change that will occur in these kids.

The seven Olympians had paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare earlier on Tuesday before reaching out to the students.