President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has called on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and Nigeria Athletes Commission (NAC) to orient grassroots athletes on sexual harassment and anti-doping.
Gumel made this statement on Tuesday, June 21 in a two-day seminar organised by the Nigeria Athletes Commission in the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The Trumpet Gathered
According to him, having highlighted the importance of the initiative to the growth and performance of Nigerian Athletes on the international stage, he opined that much concentration should be given to the grassroots athletes.
The NOC President, represented by the former Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Ademola Are, said he is aware several athletes are unable to speak after being sexually harassed because of fear of being ostracised from the team.
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“It’s high time the necessary authority brings more enlightenment for them, especially from grassroots; most of them, the elite athletes, are aware of this,” Gumel said.
“We found out that when athletes are harassed and sexually abused, they are unable to talk because of being intimidated. They are afraid of being dropped from taking part in the sports Programmes or activities,” NOC President added.
Furthermore, Gumel asseverated that there is need to return to the grassroots which is the building block in athletics to set up a formidable foundation for future benefits.
“We need to go back to the grassroots levels because it’s very important to lay that solid foundation to secure their future in the sports and the career they choose,” he said.
The seminar started on Monday, June 20 and ended on Tuesday, according to NAN.
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