The Nigerian contingent to the Rio 2016 Olympics has been warned to steer clear of drugs and anything other thing that could tarnish the image of the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave during the handing over ceremony of Team Nigeria to the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOCat the Old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
“The menace of drug use in sports is threatening the core foundation of sports and has led to embarrassing situations as well as sanctions of some great sporting nations. I, therefore, urge you to keep the integrity of our nation intact by competing clean and fair at the Olympic Games.
“Please bring as many medals back home as a result of your efforts and endeavour. But remember it is more important to compete and acquit your country as a fair sporting nation than to bring a pack of medals as a result of bending the rules and denying the Games of fair competition,” he said.
The president also warned that officials who have no business being in Brazil should support the athletes from home or go there at their own expense.
“We are all aware of our nation’s dwindling revenue and the current global economic challenges. It is, therefore, imperative that funds provided for the Games are utilized judiciously.
“In this regard, any official who has no business at the Games should stay at home to cheer the team from here and if they must travel to the Olympics, they should do so at their own expense.”
He assured athletes that the funds needed for their successful participation at the games would be released without delay.
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