Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin Community Project (ROBCOP) on Wednesday entered into a partnership with College of Education, Ilorin to groom weightlifters in the tertiary institution and its environs.
The founder of ROBCOP, Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin (OLY) revealed that her priority is to ensure weightlifters are educated and train with the best equipments.
The Sydney 2000 silver medallist seeked for the collaboration of the state government, the sports council and management of the tertiary institution in ensuring the program becomes a success.
She said, “Today is a historic day because Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin Community Project (ROBCOP) is entering into a partnership with the College of Education in owning its training centre inside the school. We have a vision for all our weightlifters to become heroes and heroines as well as become educated.
“In the next four years, we hope to see some of these weightlifters bring glory to Kwara state and Nigeria at international championships. ROBCOP will provide the enabling environment and equipment for the weightlifters to train. For you to excel in the sport, you need consistent training”, she added.
“I cannot do it alone; a tree cannot make a forest and that is why I am seeking the collaboration of the state government, the sports council and management of the tertiary institution”.
While commending the initiator of the project, the Acting Provost of College of Education, Ilorin, Dr Jimoh Ayinla reiterated the college’s resolve to continue to support sports development in the institution.
Meanwhile, former commissioner for sports, Hameed Adio (OLY) while describing Ruth Ogbeifo Balofin as an icon and virtuous woman said that she won 63 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals in her weightlifting career for Kwara and Nigeria including the Commonwealth and Olympics.
