Sunday, March 20, 2011

Ajunwa Kick Drugs Off Sport




Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajuwan Oparah has reiterated the need for Nigeria athletes to shun drugs as it will not only destroy their career, it will also place them in an uncomfortable position in life.
In a paper presented to the athletes at the Shagamu Gateway stadium during the 2nd All Comers championship in the weekend, the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) stated that the use of narcotics by athletes is illegal as they have been banned by the various sports authorities all over the world.
Stating drugs commonly use by the athletes, the Olympian said Alcohol, Amphetamines, Anabolic Steroids, Caffeine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Inhalants, Nicotine, Opiates, Phencyclidine, Seductive, Hypnotic or Atntianxiety drugs are all common with sports people.
She however adviced that athletes should not take the name of the country to the mud as their indulging in drugs use will make things difficult for the Athletics federation of Nigeria.
She also advices the Athletics Federation to get sports doctors for the athletes as it will go a great deal in helping the federation to curb the use of drugs by the athletes while also advising the coaches to always interact with the athletes.
Ajunwa maintained that the up to 18 national athletes serving different sanction and the 3 pending case from the Commonwealth Games in India last year is not too good to the country and the AFN.
“We have to take the fight against drugs very serious because right now our results are very poor in the international scene and that is not good for the country and the AFN, things like these might even deprive the AFN from getting sponsors for events.
“I am pleading with all the athletes to please shun the use of drugs as it will ruin your careers as sports ambassadors, like the about 18 athletes serving their different sanction now and also the 3 from the Commonwealth Games who are yet to know their faith.
“I will advice the AFN to get sport doctors for the athletes because if the doctors are there, the athletes will then know what vitamin supplements to take.

No comments: