The Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) on Tuesday honored Toyin Ojo, the Head Coach of the Ondo State Judo Association, as the best-behaved coach at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF).
The Vice-President of the Federation, Loveth Owen, presented the award to Ojo during a medals presentation ceremony at the 12th NSF in Asaba, Delta.
Ojo, in an interview with newsmen after the presentation, thanked the federation, his coaching colleagues, and all the athletes, saying “it is all due to teamwork”.
He added that the award was a manifestation of how disciplined Ondo State people are, saying they were known to be upright and always abiding by rules and regulations.
“I must confess, I’m overwhelmed with joy. It’s not easy to be singled out and given such an award in the midst of coaches from the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“It’s true that charity begins at home. As coaches, we must imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, because we are like a mirror to our athletes.
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“Our attitude and character will be automatically transferred to them. Therefore we must always be calm and comfort ourselves.
“In sports, you win some and lose some. Once we understand the rules and regulations of our different events, we will know how to go along with them,” Ojo said.
The coach urged other coaches within Ondo State and beyond to always be good custodians of the rules and regulations guiding their respective games.
He dedicated the award to God and the Government of Ondo State for supporting the game of judo in the state.
The Ondo State won six medals from the judo events of the 21st NSF —— three silver and three bronze medals.