2021: Bello, ‘Ferrari’ win big as curtains fall on Admiral Porbeni boat race

Inform female athlete Ayomide Bello who represented Edo state at the just concluded Admiral Porbeni boat race won four gold medals on Saturday

The water sports competition organised by the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation at the Jabi Lake in Abuja witnessed Bello who is the number one in Africa confederation in the sport beat Goodness Foloky (individual athlete) and Esther Toko (Delta state).

Bello won her first gold in women race 1 C1 500m and received N100,000 prize.

The second position was won by Foloky who received N70,000 while the third position went to Toko from Delta with N50,000 prize.

Bello won her second gold in 500M C1, her third gold in 200M C2 mixed double and the third gold in 500M C2 mixed double.

In the male category, Alaba Metelewawon, popularly  known as Ferrari from Delta, won the most medals to beat the likes Olasupo Temitope and Olowoniyi Adeniyi from Kwara and Oyo states respectively in the para 500m K1 final.

Ferrari also won gold in the para 200m KI final. Temitope and Olowoniyi also clinched the silver and bronze positions respectively with N100, 000, N70, 000 and N50, 000 prize monies.

Speaking after hauling the medal, Bello who has already qualified for Tokyo Olympics said, “I’m happy with this record. I will continue to train with or without a coach to have a good record in Tokyo.”

President of the federation, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (Rtd), attributed the success of the event to the commitment and resolve of the entire board to develop the sport.

Admiral Porbeni recalled that in the 2019 African Games, Rowing, Canoe and Sailing events contributed four gold medals to Nigeria’s medal table which enabled the country to finish second on the overall performance rating.

He also confirmed that three of the federation’s athletes have qualified for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Also speaking, Minister of Youth and Sports Development commended the federation and expressed delight over Nigeria’s qualification of the sport to the Olympics

He said the ministry would continue to support the federation to organise competitions that would help their athletes to prepare for Tokyo.

“They (athletes) placed us on the qualification table to the Olympics and some of our elite at sports also won medals at all Africa games.

“They have shown their talent in the competition today and we will work with the Federation to organise more competition,’’ the minister said.

Minister Dare also said the ministry is working with the Edo state government to organise a successful National Sports Festival. (NSF)

A total of 11 states, clubs and individuals participated in the three-day events which were held between January 28 and 30, 2021.

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