FIRST Bank of Nigeria Plc says the performance of the nation's athletes at the just concluded London 2012 Olympic Games qualifiers is indicative of a good showing for the nation when the sports fiesta commences next month.The bank commended the efforts of medal hopeful and Nigeria's fastest woman, Blessing Okagbare, who successfully defended her 100 metres title at the 66th Cross River State/All Nigeria Open Athletics Championships in Calabar. The 11.12 seconds winning time was her fourth consecutive victory.Okagbare, who is also the bank's ambassador to the London 2012 Games, leapt to a new 6.97 metres personal best in the long jump event to win gold medal at the event. According to the bank's spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney, 'given the quality of our athletes at the event, we believe the nation has every reason to be hopeful for medals at the Olympics.'We are particularly delighted that Blessing, our brand ambassador, is maintaining the pole position as one of the star athletes to look out for at the Games. First Bank is indeed very proud to be part of the history that is about to unfold in London.'As the bank's ambassador, Okagbare recently had an interactive session with a group of students at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), where she charged them to be determined in the face of challenges. She said: 'In life, you have to set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them.'At the same time, you have to surround yourself with positive-thinking people and stay focused, even if things are rough. At the beginning of my athletics career, one man told me not to bother myself, that I was too fragile to run and that I cannot achieve anything from the track, but look at where I am today.'Ani-Mumuney said the bank's involvement as Official Banker to NOC represents its endorsement of the values of respect, friendship and excellence characterized by the Olympic Movement.'First Bank and the Olympic Movement share a rich pedigree as organisations that have been promoting excellence, social responsibility and respect for globally acclaimed ethical principles for over 100 years of existence,' she added.
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