Julie Gray, an International Classifier of the International Canoe Federation, has commended the Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCSF), for enhancing the development of Paracanoe in the country.
Gray was in the country alongside Jean-Christophe Gonneaud for the second edition of National Para Rowing and Canoe Championship which held from April 4 to April 6 in Lekki, Lagos State.
Gray told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos State on Sunday that the body’s effort would attract more physically challenged persons and increase the growth of the sport.
“With what we’ve seen on ground, the NRCSF is doing wonderfully well and as far as paracanoe is concerned; because the enthusiasm from the athletes is great.
“Organising this event for the second time shows that the body is keen on improving its athletes ahead of international competitions,’’ she said.
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The classifier said that a total of 42 new athletes were classified to enable them compete favourably based on their disability.
Gray said that the world body was doing everything possible to increase the number of African participants at major international events by supporting various federation on the continent.
“The ICF sponsored our trip here as a way of contributing and complementing the national federation and this gesture is also extended to other countries on the continent.
“The number of African countries participating in paracanoe is few but we hope to see more in the nearest future,’’ Gray said.
NAN reports that no fewer than 70 athletes across the country participated in the event which held at BICs Boat Club in Lekki. (NAN)
