Otu Appoints Former Olympian, Ironbar, As Technical Adviser - Sports Commission
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has appointed former multiple weightlifting champion and Olympian, Bassey Ironbar, as Technical Adviser - Sports Commission.
The appointment letter dated 1st October 2023 was presented to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Agnes Atsu.
Mr. Bassey Ironbar, who was scouted, months ago, by the Cross River State Government while on the streets of Lagos and was brought home and kept under the care of government until his recent appointment.
Confirming and presenting the letter to Ironbar, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, appreciated the Governor, for keeping to his words after promising to secure a befitting engagement for the weightlifting champion. Ayambem added that the appointment highlights the Governor's magnanimity, and lends credence to his 'People First' mantra.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner For Sports, Hon. Agnes Atsu, also announced Ironbar as Chief Coach of the State Weightlifting Team.
The appointment comes shortly after a two million (2M) medical funding by the Governor to stabilize and return Ironbar's fitness after receiving him at the Governor's office.
Responding, Mr. Ironbar appreciated the Governor and pledged to serve the Commission as well as the State to the best of his ability by bringing his wealth of experience in the sports sector to bear.
Bassey Ironbar, born 25 December 1965, was a Nigerian weightlifter. The muscle-bulging Ironbar was attempting the 67.5kg in Men’s Weightlifting Lightweight at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles when he felt a pain in his leg. A torn muscle meant his Olympic Games journey was over.
It was a cruel blow to the then 29-year-old who was regarded as one of the best weightlifters and a huge medal favourite ahead of the 1984 Olympic Games.
Popularly known as Ironbar, his first competition as a weightlifter was at the 1981 Lagos Sports Festival where he won a Gold Medal. That same year, he competed at the National Festival Sports in Benin City where he also won a Gold Medal.
Still, in 1981, he participated in his third competition, the African Weightlifting Championships in Port Saeed, Egypt and won three Gold Medals.
IronBar’s status as a weightlifter was growing and after winning a Bronze Medal at the 1982 Commonwealth Games
