Rivers State Gymnastics Boss Seeks Government Support

The chairman of the Rivers State Gymnastics Association, Charles Orlu wants government support to actualise their plans for the sport.

Orlu who is also the caretaker chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area told ChinaAcheru.com that he has already mapped out strategies to get gymnastics back on track it it has, like every other sport been relegated to the back ground by football.

“I have written to the Ministry of sports for a partnership with the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council to work out the modalities for the development of the sport in the state,” Orlu said

“With more orientation and support from the state and federal ministry of sports, gymnastics will thrive once again in the country.”

Orlu revealed to ChinaAcheru.com that Gymnastics will no longer be relegated to the back ground by football when he is through with the sport.

He also appealed to the sporting press to also give prime attention to the sport in their reportage.

“You guys (Sporting press) have a whole lot to do for us to be reckoned with in the country. If you do for us what you do for football, I bet you, gymnastics will enjoy a geometric growth.”

The onetime gymnast who represented the state at the junior level said is also optimistic that with adequate orientation by officials of the sports ministry at the state and national on the multi medal winning prospect in gymnastics, the sport will overtake others in no distant time.

Recalling that the old Rivers and Bendel states, used to be power houses in gymnastics, the local government administrator, opined that with regular competition at the grassroots and elite level that status can be achieved.

“I am sure you remember that so many years ago we (old Rivers and Bendal state) used to dominate the sport. So for us to produce top class gymnasts, all we have to do now is organise regular competition at the secondary school and also expose our athletes to national and international competition,” Orlu said.

“There are talents in our schools but when they come out for training and no completion for them to show what they have learned it can be frustrating and demoralising, but with the support of all the stakeholders, we will take gymnastics to new heights,” Orlu stressed.