FCT weightlifting coach Janet Ali has pledged to implement athlete-focused reforms following her participation in the Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course organised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee in Abuja.
Ali, who also serves as a national coach, spoke with Sports247 after the three-day programme held from March 24 to 26, describing the experience as transformative for her dual role as both coach and administrator.
Reflecting on her journey in sports, she credited weightlifting for shaping her personal and professional growth.
“Sports has exposed me and given me opportunities to meet people I never imagined. It has given me an edge, and I’m committed to helping young athletes reach their full potential,” she said.
Highlighting key takeaways from the course, Ali emphasised the importance of placing athletes at the centre of sports development and governance.
“Athletes are the heart of sports. Without them, there wouldn’t be any sporting activities. So everything we do must focus on their development and welfare,” she noted.
She explained that the knowledge gained from the programme would influence how she manages her athletes and approaches administrative responsibilities going forward.
“As a coach, I am now also an administrator. I will apply everything I’ve learned, especially in how I relate with and support my athletes,” she added.
Ali further revealed that her immediate plan is to transfer the knowledge gained to both her athletes and relevant stakeholders within her sports council.
“The first thing I will do is to gather my athletes and share what I have learned. I will also engage my sports council to address areas that are not properly in place and work towards correcting them,” she said.
She stressed the need for continuous self-improvement, noting that upgrading her own capacity is essential to achieving better results with her athletes.
The Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course continues to provide a platform for empowering women and former athletes with the tools needed to drive effective sports governance and athlete development across Nigeria.
