The Nigeria Olympians Association has expressed support for the vision of the Ondo State Sports Council under its chairman, Oladimeji Abimbola.

During a courtesy visit to the chairman at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure, on Wednesday, the Olympians discussed sports development and ways to strengthen collaboration with the council.

The association comprises former athletes who had represented Nigeria at the Olympics at different times.

The chairman of the Nigeria Olympians Association, Ondo chapter, Lawrence Adegbehingbe, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for entrusting the sports council’s leadership to what he described as a competent hand.

Mr Adegbehingbe, who was a former director of coaching at the state ministry of sports, expressed optimism that the council would record further transformation under Mr Oladimeji’s leadership.

He used the opportunity to appeal to the state government to pay greater attention to sports facilities and the welfare of coaches, noting that sports development required sustained investment.

Mr Adegbehingbe also pledged to facilitate a partnership between sportswear giant FILA and the Ondo State Sports Council as part of his contribution to sports development in the state.

He said the partnership would provide another avenue to strengthen sports development and support athletes in the state.

Also speaking, Seun Ogunkoya, a member of the association who represented Nigeria at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, described the meeting as unprecedented.

Mr Ogunkoya appreciated the council for hosting the Olympians, assuring that the association was ready to make its experience and expertise available for sports development in the state.

Responding, the chairman of the Sports Council, Oladimeji Abimbola, described the Olympians as important stakeholders in sports development.

Mr Abimbola said that their experience and achievements remained valuable to the growth of sports in the state.

He assured the association that the council would continue to consult and engage Olympians in its efforts to build a stronger and more effective sporting system.

The chairman also said the administration of Mr Aiyedatiwa is committed to providing government benefits and compensation to Olympians in the state.

(NAN)