Gombe go up in smoke as first Gara Gombe AthIetics Grand Prix take center stage
Alhaji Gara Ahmed Shuaibu Gombe
By Rasheed Adewuye
Plans are in top gear to host the first Gara Gombe AthIetics Grand Prix at the prestigious Pantami Stadium in Gombe State on Monday. The competition is planned for February 20 to 21st, 2023 in Gombe town.
In a statement by the sponsor of the meet, Alhaji Gara Ahmed Shuaibu Gombe Stated that the Athletics competition would be the first in the state aimed at fishing out new talents from Schools, Villages and Communities in the State.
Gombe, who is also the substantive Chairman of Gombe State Amateur Athletics Association, said the epoch making grand prix would attract professional athletes from other states which invariably would rob-off on the local stars, and help them to emulate and strive with top competitors all over the world.
Huge array of Athletes and officials have been invited as events that would feature at the grand prix include, 100m, 400m, 1500m, long jump men and women, followed by 4×100m relay (demonstrations).
According to the programme, training and inauguration of the National Athletics Association of Technical Officials (NAATO) will take place on Monday at the Gombe State University.
NAATO officials that would coordinate the training will arrive Gombe from Lagos and Abuja on Sunday February 19th, adding that, this would boost the number of technical AthIetics officials in the state.
Upon his appointment, Gombe had promised to ensure proper procedure for talent hunt and provide training facilities for budding stars.
“In Gombe State, we have only two qualified coaches. NAATO officials are nonexistant in our State. That is the reason we are doing this. Train the trainers first, go for talent hunt, then organise competitions.” Gombe pointed out.
“The last National Sports Festival hosted in Delta State opened my eyes on the sordid state of AthIetics in Gombe.”
Gombe also assured stake holders and fans of his commitment to sourcing for required funds for the training of more officials at various levels in the interest of the State.
