President Jonathan honours Sydney 2000 Olympic heroes

Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied. But not so for United States of America-based Jude Monye, Clement Chukwu, Nduka Awazie, Fidelis Gadzama (UK-based) and Enefiok Udo-Obong (Lagos-based), Nigerian Sydney 2000 Olympic heroes who made the country proud by winning the 4x400m relay.

President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR) will today (Wednesday) honour all the other five quarter milers- apart from the late Sunday Bada- whose widow, Olasumbo will represent at the event. Bada died on December 12, 2011.

Team Nigeria’s silver medal at the event turned gold, following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to disqualify  USA as a result of the dope infraction of Antonio Pettigrew.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) facilitated the coming of the Olympic heroes to Nigeria to meet with President Goodluck.

“This is very commendable of President Goodluck Jonathan, His decision to meet and honour the Sydney gold medalists has given hope to other sports that it is not only footballers that have the exclusive eyes and ears of those in authority. This singular honour will motivate other sports to also  win glories for Nigeria,” Olympian, Mary Onyali said.

She was however sad that Bada, who captained Team Nigeria to the Sydney Games, would  not be physically present to receive his honour from the president.

Vanguard