The president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, said athletes from grassroots sports needed to be educated on sexual harassment and anti doping for better future in international competitions.
Gumel disclosed this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the two days seminar of the Nigeria Athletes Commission in Abuja.
Gumel who was represented by the former Director of Grassroots Sports Development Ademola Are, said it was important for young athletes to be well informed on the issue affecting them.
He said athletes commission needed to work together with the ministry of Youth and Sports Development and NOC, especially on the areas of harassment and sexual abuses.
“We found out that when athletes are harassed and sexually abused, they are unable to talk because of being intimidated.
“They are afraid of being dropped from taking part in the sports Programmes or activities.
“It’s high time that the necessary authority should bring more enlightenment for them, especially from grassroots; most of them the elites athletes are aware of these.
“We need to go back to the grassroots levels because it’s very important to lay that solid foundation so secure their future in the sports and the career they choose,” he said.
He commended the speakers for their good presentation during the seminar.
” The papers presented, especially on athletes harassment, anti doping, sexual abuse and so many others were the necessary things they need to know and be conscious of them,” he said.
The seminar which started on Monday, ended on Tuesday, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. (NAN)
