The Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans Association has declared support for the new state Sports Council Chairman, Oladimeji Abimbola, in his efforts to reposition sports in the state.

The association comprises ex-footballers who must be above 40 years.

The president of the association, Rafiu Yusuf, gave the assurance on Thursday at the Ondo State Sports Complex when the veterans received Mr Abimbola during a training session.

The session was part of preparations ahead of the South-West qualifiers comprising six states to determine who represents the region at an upcoming national competition in Ogun State in November.

Mr Yusuf described the appointment of Mr Abimbola, a former coach of Sunshine Queens and immediate past board member of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), as a welcome development for sports administration in the state.

He said the appointment was significant because the chairman was coming into the leadership of the council with practical experience in sports.

“This is the first time the council chairman is being appointed from the sports fraternity, and we are very appreciative of this opportunity from our governor.

“We are ready to support him to return the state’s sports to where it truly belongs in the comity of states,” Mr Yusuf said.

He urged other stakeholders in the sports sector to support the new chairman and contribute ideas which would help discover and nurture sporting talents across the state.

Responding, Mr Abimbola, also a member of the All Stars Football Veterans, thanked the association for the warm reception and show of support.

He solicited the cooperation of the veterans and other stakeholders in his efforts to develop the sports sector, saying, “The task of rebuilding sports in the state requires a collective approach.”

“You all understand the arena, and I am counting on you to offer your advice on how to reposition our sports.

“The job is for all of us. We have abundant talent in Ondo State; our challenge is how to synergise and create a workable system that will allow them to grow into stars. With the cooperation of all stakeholders, our sports shall be great again,” he said.

The council chairman said his administration would prioritise collaboration with relevant stakeholders in identifying sporting talents and creating opportunities to develop their potential.

He appealed to sports associations, veterans, coaches and other practitioners to contribute positively to the development of sports in the state.

He stated, “With unity of purpose and sustained commitment, Ondo could reclaim its position among leading sports states in Nigeria.”

(NAN)