Henry George, an international Kickboxing referee on Tuesday, canvassed for Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute to the development of sports in the country.
George said in Lagos that Nigerians in the Diaspora should as part of their social responsibilities, support the country’s quest to develop sports.
He said that athletes need all the necessary support to enable them to participate in international competitions.
The referee urged that Nigerians living abroad should also endeavour to go to venues of competitions to rally support to the country’s athletes.
“This will be an important motivation for them, when they see their countrymen and women come to event’s venue to cheer them up.
“Such support are significant because it is not always easy to participate in competitions outside ones’ nation but the presence of Nigerians there will ginger the athletes.
“We see such motivation from other countries, when their athletes are competing, when we go abroad to officiate in competitions, we see that people come out to support their country’s athletes.
“They usually come out in large numbers to support and cheer up their athletes.
“The athletes will be so happy seeing their compatriots cheering, backing and urging them on to victories,’’ he said.
George said that effort of the athletes who are often self-sponsored to international competitions would be better appreciated if they were shown love and care by their compatriots.
He, however, commended those who sponsor themselves to international competitions.
“Any one that is focused will always be proactive by looking for opportunities where they can improve on their skills.
“This will enable them to build up to major Games and also help them in continental and world rankings,’’ George said.
He added that regular participation in international competitions would also help them to build their confidence,’’ he said.
