Kwara state government has reiterated its resolve to continue to partner relevant agencies and corporate individuals towards broadening sports participation opportunities, even as it has started drawing plans to resume sports amid Covid-19 pandemic.
The Special Assistant on Sports matters to Kwara Governor, Mallam Attahiru Ibrahim stated this yesterday, while declaring open, a new sports business venture in the state, Kazolinks Sports Consult International Limited, at Ogo-Oluwa Shopping Complex, opposite National Open University, Kulende, Ilorin.
Mallam Attahiru said that the state will reposition sports, and especially, through provision of sports facilities and motivation of athletes to perform optimally, at any engagement.
He called for support of all and sundry, adding that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibilities in the sector alone.
The outfit, owned by the former Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem was set up to provide services which includes brand sponsorship and partnership, sports promotion and marketing, construction of sports facilities, sports seminars and clinics, supply of quality and standard sports equipment, events management and general services.
Earlier in his welcome address, the former Director of Sports, Mallam Kazeem said thatb the concept was to add value to sports development and promotion, and a platform deliberately introduced to collaborate and synergize, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports, Sports Council and other sports development agencies in and outside the state.
He said that the outfit will absolutely explore all untapped opportunities and potentials in sports through marketing, branding and sponsorship.
He commended the state government, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare and other stakeholders, for their support.
The ceremony was graced by Kwara sports stakeholders who include the Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Alarape Atanda, the Director of Football, ABS FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka, Kwara YSFON Chairman, Mallam Ademola Kiyesola, Chairman, Kwara United, Kumbi Titiloye, Coach Bola Magaji, Chief (Mrs) Abimbola Olaoye, Alhaji Adedeji Amosa, Sports Council management, staff, and others.