Grassroots: Alao-Akala invests in Oyo sports

Grassroots: Alao-Akala invest in Oyo sports By Dare Kuti--- Ibadan The former governor of Oyo state Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, has been commended on his heavy investment on grass root sports. An ex-Oyo state head coach of the wrestling association, Alhaji Asimiyu Odukojo who gave the commendation pointed that, sports men and women were awarded immediately they return from tournaments, either national or international.  He revealed that when Alao-Akala was the deputy governor in 2006, he camped athletes prior to the 2006 National Sports Festival, visited them twice and provided the best kits for Team Oyo which remains unbeatable.  The former wrestling champion disclosed that the Sports Hall, office block and first AstroTurf as well as track was renovated by Alao-Akala. "When Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala was governor, sports men and women were made the number one priority of his administration. Once there is a junior or senior National Championships, the governor gives express approval as well as cash backing", he said.  Odukojo said, "After the 2006 Gateway Games (National Sports Festival) in Ogun State, gold medallists got 500,000; silver medallists went away with 350,000 while bronze medalists got 200,000. Alao-Akala went on to employ sports men and women who still represents Oyo state till date.  He always visits the sports council and athletes unannounced". "During his regime, the Sports Hall, office block and first AstroTurf as well as track were renovated, athletes gets instant award after returning from championships, coaches attends professional courses (refresher courses), seminars, the state hosted intra sports competitions and trials for senior athletes", he noted.  He noted that the kind of treatment melted upon athletes by Alao-Akala made them give their best during championships.  "The structure and system put in place by the former governor, attracted public and private participation and support", he said . "Sports reached an enviable standard in a state, the structure and system was well funded development and this installed a proper pyramid with a wide base of talents at the grassroots level leading up to the world class athletes of men and women".