From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

 

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The financial crisis rocking the sports ministry has worsened with parents bankrolling the trip of their kids who are flying the nation’s flag in an international gymnastics championship in South Africa.
Daily Sunsports gathered that 11 of the 12 Team Nigeria athletes to the African Gymnastics Champion in South Africa were sponsored by their parents. The athletes and their officials departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja for Pretoria yesterday.
The gymnasts, who spoke to newsmen shortly before their departure expressed their desire to do the country proud out there in South Africa, even as they disclosed that their parents had to pick up their billed when the sports ministry failed to fund the trip.
The gymnasts that made the trip on self sponsorship are Patience Akinola, Ester Olayinka, Lara Arnot, Tveren Haghe, Mfoma Abasi O’Bassey, Babtunde Iseoluwa, Asemota Gabriele, Asemota Amaha, Ealdga Eghase Tobrisa and Uche Eke.
Speaking before their departure, Coach of the team, Anthony Asuquo, confirmed that the parents of the gymnasts solely sponsored the trip, lamenting the federal government inability to fund the outing in spite of the assurances given to the team.
Asuquo disclosed that the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Habu Gumel, had promised to provide the team travel tickets and pay for accommodation in South Africa.
“In spite of the disappointment, we are in high spirit because we have trained very well and prepared for the championship, we will not let our country down. The athletes can’t also afford to fail their parents who taken up the responsibilities of the government,” Asuquo said.