Following three days of intense competition involving more than 50 athletes and officials from around the 36 states of the country and Judo Clubs as well as higher institution Judokas, the National Judo Open Trials for the All Africa Games, Rabat 2019 officially signed off in Benin-City over the weekend with a rousing celebration for invited guests, athletes and officials.
The Event Media Co-ordinator, Wole Opatola disclosed that the National Open Judo Trials which was Sponsored by the Edo State Government through the Edo State Sports Commission in conjuction with Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, had spectators, athletes and officials all over the region witnessing an extraordinary competition, with inspiring displays of grit, determination and tenacity.
The official Closing Ceremony was an intimate and joyful celebration, attended by athletes, officials, sponsors, event partners, volunteers and a high powered State and Federal Government delegation including the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye, Deputy Director of Sports at the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, Peter Nelson, Acting Sports Director, University of Benin, Dr. Mrs. F.I. Egbasei, Former Edo State Sports Commissioner, Brown Ebewele amongst other top dignitaries.
In his closing speech for the National Open Judo Trials, the Edo State Deputy Governor represented by the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Godwin Dudu-Orumen noted that the Judo Trials is not only about winning and sporting excellence, but about resilience and the indomitable human spirit.
“The Olympic spirit is not all about winning, infact the focus and celebration is about participation”.
“You all have given us fantastic performances that will stay in our minds for a very long time to come and I wish the selected Judoka the very best at the All Africa Games”.
“It has been our honour to host this Games. It has truly been our privilege to be touched and inspired by the courage and determination of our athletes.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, Suleman Musa a 1995 All Africa Games Gold medalist believes that the present crop of discovered Judoka needs time to develop.
“I am happy with the athletes willingness and determination and I believe if given time and good preparation, they can excel at the All Africa games in Morocco. The Sports Ministry should also increase our slots from 4 to 8 weight categories as I believe we are capable of doing well at the games”, disclosed the Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Olympics Judoka.
The Trials was declared closed by the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Frank Okiye in the presence of high ranking board members and officials of the Nigeria Judo Federation and the coaches of the Nigeria National Judo team.
