Iquaibom Returns From Olympics, Thanks A’ibom Govt, Friends For Support
Edidiong Stephen
Coach Lawrence Iquaibom has expressed gratitude to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the government and people of Akwa Ibom state for the support that was given him which led to his successful participation in the recently concluded 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Mr Iquaibom, who is a Category-A International Technical Official of the International Weightlifting Federation, served as a weightlifting referee at the Games.
Speaking with journalists in Uyo, Wednesday, the veteran described as massive the demonstration of love and support he enjoyed from his state of origin.
“I’m delighted to leverage this opportune moment to thank His Excellency, our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, my boss – the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, the Chairman – Elder Paul Bassey, and members of the state sports stakeholders’ coordinating committee, the leadership and members of SWAN in the state, and indeed the entirety of our people for the massive love and support they gave me during the Games.” He said.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by all of you loving people and do pledge to continue to make you proud in all of my future endeavours,” he added.
On the poor performance of Team Nigeria at the Paris Games, Mr Iquaibom, who represented Nigeria at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles as well as other international competitions including the Commonwealth championship in Malta where he won a gold medal in 1983 before sojourning in the Akwa Ibom state civil service where he retired as Director of Sports, cited early preparation, proper funding, youth inclusiveness and regular exposure of our athletes to African, Commonwealth and World championships as necessary steps to be taken in order to turn around the country’s Olympics fortunes.
