Nigeria: Gov Timpre Classics Rescues Wrestling Federation

THE maiden Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva Timpre National Men and Women Classic Wrestling Championship began Monday in Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

President of the Nigeria Amateur Wrestling Federation, Chief Austin Edeze who disclosed this at the weekend said the championship is very important as it would the federation ample opportunity to select the wrestlers that would represent the country at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.
According to him, all the styles ranging from Greco Roman, Free Styles and Women Open Category will feature in the week-long exercise. While the men will compete in the Greco Roman and free styles, the women will be fully involved in the open category so as to get the best out of them.

Meanwhile, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Amateur Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, said no stone would be left unturned in the course of repositioning Nigeria wrestling.

He thanked the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Sylva Timpre for the sponsorship of this classic competition that has gone into records as the only major championship to be hosted this year. Igali also pleaded with the wrestlers to show that sense of responsibility by observing the rules of the game.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Yemi Osikaye informed, that all the states of the federation and affiliated clubs were invited for the competition in other to pick the best for the country's National team.

While states are said to be responsible for their transportation to and fro, the Bayelsa state government has since provided enough accommodation for the participating states, athletes and officials. The event ends on Saturday, December 19, 2009.