A veteran sports statesman, now an evangelist, Evang. Sokari Soberekon has appealed to the Rivers State government and the federal government to treat sportsmen and women with silver spoon. The veteran elderly sports man made this appeal over the weekend while speaking with The Newswriter Sports Editor.
The seasoned sportsman is not happy with the treatment meted out to sports men and women who had represented both the state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in both local and international sports competitions at various times.
It would be recalled that Sokari Soberekon was in the colours of both Rivers State and Nigeria while representing both state and country in wrestling, judo, weight lighting and boxing. He indeed made Rivers State and Nigeria proud when his strength and youth lasted. Now Sokari is 70 years old and had turned an Evangelist of God.
The experienced sports icon pointed out that the way sports men and women are treated in the state and country is affecting sports negatively as they were not motivated, leading to not getting the best from the sports men and women.
According to the fatherly sports man, Nigeria and Rivers State should imitate the sterling example of Saudi Arabia, noting that all the players (the team) that represented the country at 2010 FIFA South Africa world cup were sent abroad for holidaying, for representing the country, not minding that the team did not score even one goal in the competition.
He said this is a motivation per excellence that should be emulated by all standards. He therefore wants the Rivers State and federal government of Nigeria to take a cue from the example of Saudi Arabia. ###
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