After a long 2017 season which included the World Athletics Championships and other meets across Nigeria, the executive board of Athletic Heat decided to organize an event that recognizes the best of Nigerian athletes ranging from Youths to Junior and Senior athletes.
The event is an initiative of three teenage athletes; Ese Oguma, Toluwani Adebakin, and Ruth Usoro.
The event was well attended by athletes, coaches, ex-athletes, and sports administrators and it left many people inspired to do better the following year. This event would not have been possible without the support of Ultima Studios, Cerebre media, Greenlife Pharmaceutical and Kwese Sports.
The winners in the various categories include
YOUTH ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Enoch Adegoke
Chiamaka Egbochinam
JUNIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Isaac Odugbesan
Joy Udo-Gabriel
SENIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Ajayi Yinka
Ogho-Oghene Egwero
NEXT RATED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Ajayi Yinka
BREAKOUT ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Prosper Ogbonna
COACH OF THE YEAR
Coach Hakeem Oyewole
PARA COACH OF THE YEAR
Coach Patrick Aneto
PARA ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Paul Kehinde
Flora Ugwunwa
Lucy Ejike
Here are some of the reactions from our winners after receiving their awards;
“This is my first ever award in my sporting career. I am incredibly happy. Thanks to everyone who has played a role in my career. I’m grateful.” – Joy Udo-Gabriel. 2017 Junior Female Athlete of the Year
“It’s a dream come through. It shows that our works do not go unrecognized, and God bless Athletic Heat for this kind of idea.”- Enoch Adegoke, 2017 Youth Male Athlete of the Year
“I can remember those days in school when they would say Prosper is so this, so that. I never believed I would ever have an award in my life”- Prosper Ogbonna. 2017 Breakout Athlete of the Year
“If not for God, I wouldn’t be here, and my coach with his words of encouragement. God used him to make me a champion and thanks to Athletic Heat for this recognition” – Flora Ugwunwa. F54 Javelin Para-World Record holder and 2017 Special Recognition Awardee.
“I’m so delighted to be honored today. I did not end my 2017 Athletic season in vain. I want to thank Athletic Heat; you guys are doing a great job. I pray the Lord shall strengthen you all”- Ajayi Yinka. 2017 Senior Female Athlete of the Year & Next Rated Athlete of the Year
“I thank my Coach for seeing my gift and developing it. I thank Athletic Heat for this Award, this might look small to them but for rewarding home-based athletes, I do not think anyone has thought of it. They have done a wonderful thing in my life and career with this Award.”- Ogho-Oghene Egwero. 2017 Senior Male Athlete of the Year.
“I want to thank my mum who was my campaign manager during the voting process, she did a killer job. I want to thank Coach Dauda Omizi for making me the shot putter I am now. He is a great coach. My efforts are being recognized and recognition is key.”- 2017 Junior Male Athlete of the Year
