We should host to win – Onyali

BY JACOB AJOM
Former Africa queen of the tracks and member of the Local Organising Committee for the 1st African Junior Athletics Championships, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has said Nigeria would strive to successfully host to win.

“Yes, I want to see us emerge tops at the end of this maiden edition of the championships in the provision of world standard facilities and also be good on the tracks and win well.”

Onyali who burnt the tracks for many years said the junior athletics championships was dear to her heart as it has given her the opportunity to also discover young talents, just like she was discovered in her prime.

“Very often, people ask me when the new Onyalis would be discovered and I have always been hesitant in  providing a direct answer. I want to say now that the African Junior Athletics Championships will provide the answer because youngsters will be discovered and hopefully they will rule the world in future.”

She said the programme was dear to her and that has informed the high level of enthusiasm in her. “It is a programme after my heart. I will ensure I play my part and I want to plead with the corporate community to come to the aid of the LOC. We need everybody’s support to make it a success.”