June 18, (THEWILL) – The Rope Skipping Federation has successfully organised their inaugural edition of the Rope Skipping League, marking a significant milestone in the development of the sport in Nigeria.
Talking about the League, Dayo Oyewo, the President of the Federation, revealed that the competition was initiated as a test run to gauge its feasibility and potential for future growth. The league, which took place last month, featured the participation of nine clubs including Boltad Rope Skipping Club, Synergy Rope Skipping Club, Amabutho Jumpers, among others. Coaches and judges also attended courses to enhance their skills and knowledge in the sport.
Held over a four-week period at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, on May 1, 2023, the league showcased remarkable talent and competition. JC Rope Skipping Club, led by Solomon Philip, the second Nigerian Guinness World Records holder, secured the second position, while Kemros Rope Skipping Club finished third on the league table.
Oyewo expressed his satisfaction with the league’s success and revealed a four-year plan to further develop rope skipping at the grassroots level. He stressed the importance of private entities’ involvement in sports development and called on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to include rope skipping in the National Sports Festival. Oyewo also reiterated the need to reduce reliance on government as the sole promoter and sponsor of rope skipping activities. He urged club owners and promoters to obtain operational licenses, as part of the next phase of the Federation’s master plan.
According to him, this measure will provide opportunities for well-meaning Nigerians to invest in the empowerment of the country’s youth and contribute to sustainable human capacity and community development through rope skipping. Dayo also called upon sports philanthropists to seize this opportunity and invest in the sport, creating career pathways for talented young individuals.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
