..Says Asia Synergy With CAA Real
The President of the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) Col. Halmad Mabourn Kalkaba (RTD) craves for Athletes of African decent to dominate track&field Worldwide during his time.
The Cameroonian, further said during an interview by Journalists in Abeokuta that he looks forward to achieving the goal during his tenure as CAA boss.
According to him, Athletes in Africa are currently making waves all over the world but are not dominating the sport in the real sense of it owing to scarcity of funds to keep them active in the continent.
“We have athletes in Africa who could have attracted funds for growth and development of track&field, you discover that soon after they are developed, they change alligence to other countries in Europe, America, Asia etc, making it difficult to continue running in and for Africa”
He however noted that it is the right of athletes and there federations to decide what and where their athletes should go, but we are liaisoing with federations on how to mitigate these moves by thinking out development plans in favour of athletes through collaborations with Asia and Arab countries where most of Africa Athletes are competing.
On CAA collaboration with some Asia nations, Kalkaba noted that a contract was signed since 2017 and could not be implemented, he assured that effort is being directed towards reviving some of the agreements.
“We need Asia and they need Africa, in the area of provision of sponsorship for facility development and more. The CAA is anxious to keep Africa athletes in the continent making money and feeling good.
On the difficulties being experienced in making countries host CAA competitions, the CAA boss informed that countries in the continent are desirous to host competitions, but where it becomes too close and there are other needs and challenges confronting such country, postponement becomes next alternative.
He insisted that it’s really a problem, he however assured that moving forward, such challenges would be in the past.
On CAA athletes training centers around the continent, he said, CAA would be reviving the collaborations with Asia countries to sustain the maintenance and development of athletes training centers in Kenya, Egypt and other zones in Africa for athletes training and other related Track&Field activities.
Kalkaba pleaded with the media to assist in positively publishing athletics development in Africa and by so doing, Sponsors would be attracted to the continent and Spots in Africa and particularly, athletics will benefit.
He thanked Nigeria for coming to the aide of CAA in agreeing to the 3rd edition of CAA athletics Championships and beckoned on others to emulate Nigeria for further assistance.
