From Ayinla Bashir, Ilorin
The workshop for the grading of all Kwara state karatekas began today, at Tanke Iledu Area of the state, as over 100 karatekas underwent individual and team katas, as well as kumite demonstrations that will earn them points for the final grading.
The exercise, tagged ‘19th State Grading Workshop’ will be concluded tomorrow, at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, after which the athletes will be awarded certificates.
The Head Coach of Karate in the state, Akeem Lawal, who led other instructors in the grading processes, said that some of the athletes will earn either single or double promotions, depending on their performances during the grading exercise.
He commended the karatekas for putting up a good display, especially in the kumite aspect.
ICT Expert, Hamza Usman, who hosted and sponsored the grading workshop said that the moment was both exciting and hopeful, even as he pledged his support to development of the sport in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
‘The moment was exciting, because of the level of discipline imbibed, and the level of expertise exhibited by the athletes.
‘It was hopeful, in view of the vices in the society, as this opportunity provides a perfect platform for engaging the young ones meaningfully. It’s also a great source of survival’, added Usman, who was recently appointed as the Taliba of Ebiraland, in Kogi state.
‘As much as possible, I will continue to encourage the coaches and the athletes to participate in national and international competitions,” he further promised.
