An ICT Expert, Hamzat Usman has pledged his support to development of Karate in Kwara state and Nigeria.
Usman stated this in Ilorin on Saturday at the commencement of A 2-day workshop for the grading of all Kwara karatekas.
The ICT expert, who was the host and sponsor of the grading workshop, added that moment was both exciting and hopeful.
“The moment was exciting, because of the level of discipline imbibed, and the level of expertise exhibited by the athletes.
“It was hopeful, in view of the vices in the society, as this opportunity provides perfect platform for engaging the young ones meaningfully.
“It’s also a great source of survival’, added Usman, who was recently installed as the Taliba of Ebiraland, in Kogi state.
“As much as possible, I will continue to encourage the coaches and the athletes to participate in national and international competitions, he concluded.
The workshop which is taking place at Tanke Iledu Area of the state, attracted over 100 karatekas who underwent individual and team katas, as well as kumite demonstrations that will earn them points for the final grading.
The exercise, tagged: “19th State Grading Workshop” will be concluded on Sunday, at the Kwara Stadium Complex, after which the athletes will be awarded certificates.
The Head Coach of Karate in the state, Akeem Lawal, who led other instructors in the grading processes, said that some of the athletes will earn either single or double promotions, depending on their performances during the grading exercise.
He commended the karatekas for putting up a good display, especially in the kumite aspect.
