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Continental Canoe Sprint Olympics Qualifier Takes Off in Nigeria
December 11, 2023
CategoryAfrica Central
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/Script((INTRO))
[[South Africa and Nigeria led the wins at the Africa Canoe Sprint Olympics qualifier, recently held in Abuja, Nigeria. Both nations had athletes qualify to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Gibson Emeka has this story from Abuja, Nigeria, narrated by Jackson Mvunganyi.]]
((NARRATOR))
Athletes from 16 African countries paddled it out at the 9th African Canoeing Championship in the waters of Jabi Lake in Abuja recently. Some of the winners, like Chrisjan Coeetzee, won a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
((Chrisjan Coetzee, South African Athlete)) ((Male, in English))
“It’s been tough competition. The goal was to qualify for Paris 2024, and we managed to do that, so we are happy with it.”
((NARRATOR))
Beauty Otuedo, a Nigerian athlete is also excited about going to Europe for the Olympics.
((Beauty Otuedo, Nigerian Athlete)) ((Female, in English))
“I qualified for the 500 races. For a gold medal. I will be going to the Olympics, Paris.”
((NARRATOR))
Compared to other sports, canoeing is still in its early stages in Africa. Nigeria was hosting the Olympic qualifiers for the first time.
((Joao Manual Da Costa Alegre Afonso, International Canoeing Federation)) ((Male, in English))
“Today, we organize the Olympics qualifier in our continent, it’s very important for the development of the sport in our continent so I am very happy.”
((NARRATOR))
Sports pundit Godstime Egelege-Idama commends the organization for hosting the event, despite some logistical hiccups.
((Godstime Egelege-Idama, Sports Analyst)) ((Male, in English))
“The organization, for me, is what is top-notch. They have done Nigeria proud.”
((NARRATOR))
And while the sport is seeing steady growth, Kim Pople, president of Canoeing South Africa says support for canoeing in Africa remains low.
((Kim Pople, Canoeing South Africa)) ((Female, in English))
“It comes down to funding, you know, we obviously not as big so we don't get the TV time, we don't get the press coverage, so we need to go and have a look at the private sector and sell our stories.”
((NARRATOR))
As Africa heads to face the rest of the canoeing world in Paris next year — Abuja-based sports journalist Godstime Egelege-Idama says preparation is key to a great outing.
((Godstime Egelege-Idama, Sports Analyst)) ((Male, in English))
“Africa is ready, but they need to work more on the technique. I think every government, every country has to have a structured way of doing it. We see canoeing in the all-African games but now we have to have special events for canoeing too.”
((NARRATOR))
Nigeria currently holds 3 gold medals from the Olympics — the nation’s athletes say they are hoping they can row their way to more gold in Paris 2024.
((For Gibson Emeka in Abuja Nigeria, Jackson Mvunganyi, VOA News.))
