The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, has confirmed Saturday March 18 as the new date for the postponed National Cross Country race. Tafida Gadzama, the Federation’s first Vice President who also heads the Road Race sub-committee confirmed that the race earlier scheduled to hold last month will now hold on March 18 with Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state still the venue for the race. ‘The AFN National Cross Country race will hold on Saturday March 18 in Jalingo and the Federation is making arrangements for a hitch-free event,’ said Gadzama, an Olympic gold medal winner in 2000. The AFN Road Race sub-committee chairman believes the journey to start producing world class middle and long distance runners begins with the athletes and the coaches knowing they need to include cross country training in their training regime. ‘I saw clips of the Cross Country race held in Jos last month and was delighted our athletes and coaches are made to understand they need to run in competitions like that and train in a cross country course to get better.

The objective is not to produce World and Olympic medalists overnight but to improve the performance of our athlete and make them competitive. ‘If they are competitive, achieve the standards that will get them to run in continental and international road races, they can start making money that they will use to take care of their families and contribute to the GDP of Nigeria,’ added Gadzama, the 1997 African U20 400m champion. The AFN vice-president says cross country running will make our athletes better and stronger runners. ‘According to experts, running cross- country not only builds athletes’ physical strength but also their mental strength. Anyone who has ever run cross-country understands the mental toughness that is necessary to complete a work-out and a race,’ added Gadzama.

Nigerian women sports body, NAWIS, celebrates international women’s day

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Women In Sports(NAWIS) has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2023 international women’s day with its theme “Embrace Equity.” In her message to commemorate the day, the national president of NAWIS, Professor Maryam funke Suleiman describes the day as a day dedicated to honour the achievements and contribution of women in our society. On this year’s celebration theme “Embrace Equity”, Prof Suleiman said that it reminds women of the on-going fight for gender equity and the importance of continuing to challenge the status quo adding that Women have made incredible strides in the past decades or even century, from seeing the right to vote and run for office to breaking barriers in fields previously dominated by men and agrees that there is still so much work to be done. “Women still face systematic discrimination and unequal opportunities in many areas of life, including the workplace, education, sports and health care. We must remember that women’s contribution to society are invaluable”. NAWIS President appeals. She used the occasion to commend the glorious outings of the Nigerian Women and girls at the international,national and local sporting fiesta. “NAWIS also wishes to commend the efforts and achievements of our girls and women who made Nigeria proud in sports both at national and international levels.

These include among others those who won medals/laurels at the commonwealth and Olympics games and others who made us proud at the grassroot levels. NAWIS is very proud of you all and celebrates you, we therefore encourage you all to keep the flag flying.” Professor Suleiman who describes Women as leaders, Innovators, caregivers, and community builders that are essential to the fabric of our society feels that their voices and perspectives must be heard and valued . “As we celebrate international women’s day, let us take a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made and the challenges that lie ahead . Let us re-commit ourselves to fighting for gender equity and creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive” The NAWIS president charges women to know that their contributions matter and they are an essential part of the society whose achievements deserve to be celebrated. Finally, Professor Suleiman also pleaded to everyone in the different walks of life to embrace gender equity in all facets of life in the society.