CCSF Takes Taekwondo Programme To Zamfara, As NTF Lauds Initiative

The Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) kick-started its 2015 programme when it launched its “Inspire the Zones” initiative in Gusau, Zamfara.

The one-day inspirational programme, which saw 65 participants from Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara is the first of a six-leg journey that involves all the six geopolitical zones in the country, and is being done in partnership the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation via the Board Members resident in the Zone.

According to CCSF Founder and three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, the aim of the workshop is simply to inspire young minds.

“I have always insisted that Inspiration always wins medals, if you give it time. You sow that seed now in that mind, and watch it positively grow over the years”.

Some Participants during the Workshop

Pointing out a real-life example of the philosphy in the person of Borno-State born Abubakar Isah Adamu, the 17-year old Commonwealth Gold Medallist who came along with the CCSF Team, the CCSF Boss noted the effect of Adamu’s presence on his age mates in the region.

“Adamu was just 13 years old when we saw him. He was born and lives in Maiduguri, Borno State. At the time, he could barely speak English. Four years later, he speaks English, has won a couple of National Tournaments, has won a Gold at the Commonwealth Games and is one of the brightest Taekwondo prospects for Nigeria Taekwondo. The athletes here have been inspired just watching him today”

NTF Board Member of the region and State Host, Alhaji Mohammed Garba, agreed with the CCSF Boss

CCSF Founder poses with NTF Board Members in the region [L-R: Chika Chukwumerije, Alhaji Mohammed Garba [NTF North-West Representative], Mr Abdullahi Saidu [NTF Sponsor Representative], Mr Ado Garko Umar [NTF North East Representative]

“I am so excited by this wonderful program. Most of these athletes have never seen all these equipment that CCSF brought to Zamfara, or done the exercises they did together. They have trained with a 3-time Olympian they see only on TV, and a Commonwealth Gold Medallist. There is a rejuvenation amongst the athletes in this region”.

Another Board Member, Mr Abdullahi Saidu, who sponsored the athletes from Sokoto and Kebbi to the program was equally excited by the outcome of the program.

“That Chika could bring his Foundation to Zamfara has really inspired and galvanized all of us. A lot of times, good programs like this are held in Kano or Kaduna, but CCSF came all the way with their team and shared high quality information with upcoming and state athletes, free of charge. CCSF has certainly shown us that we have no excuse not to organize more regional inter-state programmes”

A participant, 24-year Alice Dumiya, from Kaduna proudly holds up her new Taekwondo Uniform

A Director of Admin with the Zamfara State Civil Service, Alhaji Mohammed Haidara, who was guest at the program commended the initiative and noted that, “the program is very interesting. More programs like this would help our youths to be doing something, instead of roaming about and engaging in unproductive activities”

In addition to the program, free equipment in form of imported Taekwondo Uniform, Kicking Pads and exercise books were given to some of the participants.

One of the participants, 23-year old Bilhatu Adamu of Zamfara, who makes colourful hand-made bags caught the attention of CCSF, and was given a free ticket to the 2015 CCSF Taekwondo Opens being held in Abuja on 23-24 October 2015, to showcase and merchandize her product.

Participants pose in a group photo during the one-day inspirational CCSF workshop

Speaking on the free ticket awarded to her, Miss Bilhatu could not hide her excitement,

“Not only did I enjoy the workshop, I have also been given an opportunity to come and showcase my bags to Nigerians and West Africans that would come to watch the event. I am very grateful to CCSF for given me this economic opportunity, at no cost.”

The next leg of the initiative would be held in the North Central Zone in Benue State on 7th March 2015.

Taekwondo Federation organizes national referee’s seminar in Abuja

Velodrome being set up for the National Course

A seven-day National Referee Seminar/Workshop, organized by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) commenced at the National Stadium Abuja and is expected to run from June 1 to 7 with the 24 participants drawn from Benue, Kebbi, FCT Abuja, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Kaduna, Delta, Plateau, FUT Minna, and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps.

During the course, participants will be required to learn and practise with the latest competition rules, learn how to set-up and use the latest technological gadgets for Taekwondo, and also complete a course in competition management techniques. Examinations are held for participants at the end of the course.

NSC High Performance Coach shakes Pioneer Nigerian Grandmaster, Dominic Bassey, at the opening ceremony as NTF President George Ashiru looks on.

The George Ashiru-led Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) reiterated its commitment to developing all aspects of the game that would give Nigeria an advantage on the global stage.

According to the Federation President, George Ashiru, “The referee plays a vital role in the scheme of things when it comes to winning international medals, and Nigeria simply does not have enough referees on the global stage.”

Highlighting the strategic importance of the on-going exercise, the NTF Boss noted that, “the event is part of the Federation’s vision to get our referees in place by the 2015 All African Games and beyond.”

“The Federation decided at the beginning of the year to organize a series of National Referee workshops throughout the year that would help standardize our local referees and bring them up to speed with the latest technological equipment and competition rules”

Buttressing the stand of the NTF President, the NSC High Performance Coach for Taekwondo, Kim Jin Beom of South Korea, who is a top class World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)-sanctioned referee, emphasized the need for Nigeria’s referees to be brought up-to-date on the latest rules.

“The quality of referees in Africa is generally low, but the countries that have the best and most influential International referees generally come out on top in 50-50 decisions during critical competitive matches. Nigeria must cultivate this advantage year by year.”

Participants take notes during the Theory session on Latest Competition rules.

He further connected the quality of referees to the tactical awareness of the national athletes.

“Most referees are also coaches, or train with coaches in their various localities. It would be impossible for them to teach their athletes how to take advantage of the competition rules, if they themselves are not current”