The Weightlifting Training Centre of the Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin Community Project (ROBCOP) was officially opened today, at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, with the aim of creating opportunities for youth at the grassroots.
Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin, a former Olympian, who represented Kwara and Nigeria during her active days said that the project was introduced to inspire the young ones, adding that College of Education, Ilorin showed interest in her vision , hence the partnership.
Kwara State Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Alarape Atanda, while commending the initiative, tasked athletes on discipline and consistency in training, even as he charged students to combine sports with education.
While commending the initiator of the project, the Acting Provost, College of Education, Ilorin, Dr. Jimoh Ayinla Agaka reiterated the College’s resolve to continue to support sports development in the institution.
Ruth, who called in from USA during the official opening of the community center applauded the Provost and the College’s management, as well as the Director of Sports and the Sports Council management, for their support, even as she pledged her commitment towards the development of sports, especially weightlifting.
Another Olympian, Hameed Adio, while describing Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin as an icon and a virtuous woman, said that she won 63 gold, four silver and three bronze medal in her Weightlifting career for Kwara and Nigeria, including in the Commonwealth and the Olympics.
He commended her for championing the Weightlifting development project, despite been abandoned by her country when she got injured representing the country during an international tournament.
The opening of the centre was witnessed by members of the State’s Weightlifting stakeholders, Coaches and players, who staged demonstration exercises after the opening, students, other well wishers and lovers of the sport.
