By Charlton Ehizuelen Dallas, USA
Most Nigerians are  quick to point to a system of sports development, ‘’the grassroots development’’, as the main cause responsible for the inconsistencies the nation experiences, whenever we fail to produce desired results  in national and international competitions.

The first question we must ask ourselves is; what exactly is a grassroots sports development program? How do we maximize the full development, if we intend to embark on one? Unless we can answer these questions, with complete honesty and a flaming passion, we may never develop a system that would allow all Nigerians to practice the art of complete grassroots sports development process.

 A PROCESS

A grassroots sports development program is a process, which can only be developed in a system. We must learn and understand what the segments of inclusion are in the system. This will allow us to lay down a platform or a foundation that can create opportunity, capacity and cohesiveness as we  progress.  This means that we must know our targeted resources; in personnel, network support, sponsors, and volunteers, and proceed to design ways by which our main goal should be to encourage everyone with the ability and interest to participate.

The first Nigerian national sports festival held in Lagos in 1973, may have been designed to encompass all the relevant segments needed. It was to help create a system that could allow the development of grassroots process to be fully established in the Olympic Sports that Nigeria deemed relevant for short, medium and long term development.

PROMOTE AND EDUCATE THE STAKEHOLDERS

A grassroots sports development process must begin with the parent, guardian, or a family member of a young child. It is human nature to always respond to activities that add value and benefits to their lives and those of their family members. This is where the theme ‘’Sports development and Recreation for all’’ campaign, must be a part of what the National Sports Commission, all state sports councils or commissions, and local government sports representatives, in partnership with the private sector must do. This should be a part of the opening page, as we begin to promote sports development to move Nigeria forward.

A portion of the functions of the NSC states:

“To promote, in co-operation with other sports bodies or sports groups, the physical fitness and general well-being of all persons in Nigeria.”

 BENEFITS

Sports and play for children should be an integral part of early childhood education. No school, private or public should be allowed to open their doors to prospective students, if they fail to meet the requirement to include a playground for some form of physical activity on the school premises.

Physical education, sports and play teach kids the  essential life attributes including discipline, co-operation, self-esteem, patience and responsibility. It is also at an early stage that most begin to develop the basic skills in running, jumping, throwing etc., That could help them as they get into organized form of sports development in any sport.

ADULT

A 30 minute a day engagement in some form of physical activity, done at your own pace, can do wonders for adults with the physical abilities and the will to participate in sports.

A physical activity has been known to help reduce stress, depression and does promote healthy life styles, irrespective of age as long as you have the abilities to engage.

Competitive sport provides scholarships for qualified students/athletes, to pursue both an educational and an athletic career in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and overseas.

Competitive sports men and women have the opportunity to compete for the nation in international championships including the Olympic Games.

They can also become professional sports men and women with the opportunity to earn a very good living.  Ask the Jamaicans,  a nation of 2.9 million, how professional sports and earnings have helped improve a part of their economy; we can do that in Nigeria too.

THE NATION

One of the best public relations and promotion a nation can possess is one that mirrors the nation with positive reflections. Sport victories and international engagement always do that.

Millions visit countries like Jamaica, Brazil, and USA each year, because of the international recognition earned through sports excellence and other world acclaimed attractions, which provide business opportunity that attract billions of dollars into the economy of these countries.

Nigeria should begin to see sports as a huge business, an industry to can help boost their economy. Government should play their role of providing enabling environment – the facilities, the structures and the administration. Families should expose their children to sports and whoever shows a potential to excel should be encouraged. We cannot ignore the role of the family in developing the potential of a sports talent. This is a message I hope will sink into Nigerians. It is the right way to begin sports development.

Charlton Ehizuelen

Inductee-US Prestigious Drake Relays Hall of Fame.

Other members: Jesse Owens, Michael Johnson, Merlene Ottey, Wilma Rudolph, Bruce Jenner, Nawal EL Moutawakel etc.

Best in the World: 74, 75, 76(Long and Triple Jumps)