Date: 2018-12-19

The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara state, Mr Razaq Atunwa, has pledged to prioritise the development of sports in the state, if elected.

Atunwa made the promise on Tuesday in Ilorin at a meeting with sports stakeholders.

He said that the meeting, organised to discuss on the template for the development of the sector if he becomes the governor, marked a turning point for sports.

'I promise to prioritise the development of youths through sports and education, if elected governor come February 2019.

'Sports builds character, hence the need for sports. And I am assuring you that sports will take the pride of place in terms of the development of infrastructure and welfare of athletes in the state.

The gubernatorial candidate, who is a former Speaker, State House of Assembly,also promised to build modern sports development centres in all the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

Atunwa said he would set stage for the training of coaches and athletes in an encouraging atmosphere. He also promised to give paralympians special needs they deserved, saying.that they were contributing meaningfully to sports in the state and Nigeria and needed to be encouraged to do more.

Earlier, sports stakeholders, both in groups and and individuals ,called for increased funding of sports. This they argued that this became important, especially for Sports Council, employment of qualified personnel, building of infrastructure and renovation of existing ones.

They also called for the introduction of good welfare packages for sportsmen and women. (NAN)