Nigerian Triathlon Union
Contact Information
Address
Nigeria Olympic Committee Building, National Stadium
Lagos
Nigeria
0234
Nigeria
President
Dr. Lanre Glover
Secretary General
Dr. Gloria Obajimi
Latest News
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French triathlete embarks on epic ‘Drive 4 Triathlon’ through Africa
French triathlete Nicolas Gracco de Lay has taken it upon himself to give something back by undertaking an incredible 25,000km journey through Africa as part of a charitable initiative, ‘Drive 4 Triathlon’. Gracco de Lay set off in his trusty old steel-grey car in December 2011 from southwest France to embark on his expedition with the aim of promoting the sport of triathlon on the African continent and to raise money for children in need through ‘Ironman 4 the Kidz’, charity trust. Along the way to his final destination of South Africa in April 2012, Gracco de Lay is training with the local triathletes from each country, sharing ideas on how to become a better athlete, while also working with the media to promote triathlon and sports in general. The countries he has already visited include Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Burkina, Faso, Togo, Benin Republic and Nigeria and he is greatly encouraged by the support he has received so far. Arriving in Nigeria Gracco de Lay was warmly welcomed at the border before spending time with the local triathletes. “I must say that the Nigerian Triathlon Union (NTU) is motivated and are helping their athletes because the ones I practiced with showed great spirit and I hope they will get the chance to compete more on the international stage,” said Gracco de Lay. “I am thankful to the NTU for receiving me and companies in France - Total and Wari - who have backed me since I set out. I hope at the end of it all, I would have become a shining example to many athletes around the world.” NTU Secretary General, Gloria Obajimi believed that Gracco de Lay’s visit not only helped to promote the growing sport of triathlon within Nigeria, but also acts as a source of inspiration and encouragement for the young. “Seeing Nicolas come all the way from France to promote triathlon in Africa will surely encourage our athletes. They were also able to train with him and he must have given them different tips to excel,” said Obajimi. “We wish him all the best as he continues his journey through Africa.” Throughout his journey, Gracco is collecting items for auction with all proceeds going to the charity. So far he has collected an array of items including kit signed by French Olympian Frederic Belaubre and 2010 ITU Long Distance World Champion, Sylvain Sudrie as well as national football jerseys signed by 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations winners Zambia. “Apart from promoting triathlon, I am passionate about the kids and I have teamed up with Ironman for the Kids to help raise money for the ones who are in need. Among other items I have the helmets of Sylvain Sudrie and Fred Belaubre for auction,” said Gracco. To learn more about Nicolas Gracco de Lay’s ‘Drive 4 Triathlon’ please click here {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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Nigeria's road to the All Africa Games
The battle for the inaugural All Africa Games titles in Maputo will be close, but for others the biggest win will be competing in Mozambique this weekend as the first step in an international triathlon career. This is the case for the two athletes from Nigeria, Victor Aladdin and Perelate Gbagi, who have undergone a fast tracked triathlon education and now can't wait to race in Maputo. Both Aladdin and Gbagi were identified as by the Nigerian National Triathlon Federation, the Nigerian Triathlon Union, as talented swimmers with strong running ability who just needed to get more experience in cycling. They did this when they travelled to Johannesburg in South Africa to complete final fine tuning under the watchful eye of ITU coach and facilitator, Franz Studer. Studer has an ongoing relationship with the Nigerian Triathlon Federation after presenting a coaching course in the Lagos in 2009 and together he and wife Charmaine, who saw to their daily needs, took them to training venues and ensured that their nutritional needs were met - the two athletes completed an intense preparation for triathlon's All Africa Games debut. Sponsorship from a local gym, Virgin Active, allowed them to swim and do conditioning work along with daily cycle and run sessions, while they were fitted with bicycles, shoes and other specialist equipment. They also had their official race uniforms made, as these are not available in Nigeria, and had chiropractic treatment to keep them in top shape. Studer praised both athletes for their hard work, and said they had the talent to make it in triathlon. "These two fine young men definitely have the talent to ascend into the elite ranks as long as they can continue to get quality coaching and competitive opportunities," he said. "The two fine young athletes are also a tribute to their National Federation and an absolute pleasure to work with throughout their stay." Studer will travel to Lagos again after the All Africa Games to continue the development work with an identified squad of athletes. Triathlon makes its debut in the All Africa Games on Sunday September 4 in Maputo, for more details please click here. {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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Triathlon Represented at ANOCA Congress
Dr Lanre Glover, President of the Nigerian Triathlon Federation, recently joined 53 African National Olympic Committee that gathered in Abuja for the 13th Congress of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). IOC President Dr Jacques Rogge was the special guest of honour at the congress. He also took part in the ceremony of laying the first foundation stone for the new ANOCA secretariat in Abuja. Also on hand was the world famous footballer Pele, whose presence thrilled the delegates. The ITU African Strategic Planning meeting in Stellenbosch earlier this year mandated Dr Glover to liaise with ANOCA and to take advantage of his presence at the ANOCA meeting to meet with the President of ANOCA General Lassana Palenfo to discus the possibility of getting triathlon on as a demonstration sport in the 2011 All Africa Games in Mozambique. Dr. Glover meeting with General Palenfo was very positive, and there is a need to follow up. Photo above left to right: Dr. Lanre Glover, Dr. Jacques Rogges, Banji Oladapo, Secretary General of the Nigerian Olympic Committee {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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NIGERIA PARTICIPATES IN HER FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONS
The Nigerian Team made a maiden participation in their first ever World Championship. The Federation which is barely one and a half years old, took the bold step to participate in the World Championship in Vancouver, after having participate successfully in two African Championships. The team was made up of 3 athletes and two officials. The team was led by the President of the Union, Dr Lanre Glover. The 3 athletes are KOROUTIMI PARBOR who participated in the AG 30-34, AFRICA AGALABIRI AG 20-24 and PERELATE GBAGI AG 20-24. Also included in the team is DR SIKU JAGUN, the Chairman of Lagos Triathlon.. According to Dr Glover, the bi idea was to feel the terrain in the big league. From here we shall get stronger. The team was generally happy with the organization and particularly thanked the Executive Director of ITU Loreen for making life much easier for the team with her assistance. {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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BRITISH TRIATHLON TO ASSIST NTU
The British Triathlon has promised to assist the Nigerian Triathlon Union in ensuring good representation at the Commonwealth games in Glasgow in 2014. This followed a meeting between the President of the NTU Dr Lanre Glover and CEO of British Triathlon Zara Hyde Peters at the World Championship in Vancouver. This is indeed a cheering news for Nigerian Triathlon who will benefit from the Wealth of Experience of British Triathlon. {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}