International sports lawyer Adedotun Olusanya has been celebrated by the Para Athletics Federation of Nigeria (Ekiti State Section) for his outstanding contribution to athletes with special abilities. The association received nominations from its athletes for this special award that emphasised recognising the contributions of individuals and corporate bodies in law, broadcasting, banking, insurance, and financial services.
“When I heard the news that I was nominated for this award and learned the calibre of people, especially chief executive officers and captains of industries, I lost hope of winning the award considering the calibre of individuals I was nominated alongside. Personally, I felt the fact that I was nominated was enough recognition for the hard work in my sports law and governance advocacy since I started my legal career in 2014.
I did not bother going to the event because I had tutorials with my criminal law students at Afe Babalola University. The dean and other principal officers would have made adequate arrangements to make sure another colleague delivered the lectures since the university emphasises community engagement. I found a way to convince myself that my students needed me more and that the topic we were discussing was very important. To my greatest surprise, the association’s president called me over the phone after the event to mention that I received overwhelming votes from the athletes and coaching staff.
“Career-wise, I would say it is the most important achievement I have had. It was the culmination of my consistent advocacy through seminars, workshops, and participation in events where I have been invited as a guest speaker organised by the Para Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
Adedotun Olusanya’s desire to share knowledge was attested to by the special athletes. The Head Coach of the Para Athletics Team in Ekiti, Coach Ojo, reiterated Adedotun’s passion for discussing the principles of effective sports governance, which have the ability to impact not only an athlete’s performance but also the welfare of the athlete. “We all call him Sports Governance. You can tell that his activities and constant education of the athletes about their welfare rights as guaranteed under Nigerian law and various international instruments are because of his deep love for humanity. The association has always had relationships with lawyers, but he is the first lawyer to initiate and execute a sports law seminar, “Ability in Disability Series,” which focuses on athlete welfare in Ekiti State. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate.”
“Mr Olusanya has never failed to honour our invitation to give a seminar, symposium, or guest lecture on issues related to the governance structure of sport organisations, athletes’ welfare under Nigerian law and international law, and how the best special athletes’ can protect and profit from their image and likeness, especially when they do exceptionally well at major sporting events like the National Sports Festival, All African Games, and the Special Olympics. At the last count, he has led at least five seminars, which puts our athletes at ease about the applicable laws and regulations of the Olympic Charter and other common and civil law principles.
A major focus of Adedotun’s advocacy on how governance structure affects para-athletes is its effect on professionalisation, especially how it can lead to the recruitment of better coaches and, most importantly, better medical support for the special athletes. The only way these desired outcomes can be achieved is through the effective administration of all the para-sports, thereby enhancing athlete’s performance and well-being. Insufficient funding by the government for sports, especially para sports, means it is high time the government embraces its role as a regulator while private individuals and corporate bodies capable of marketing the sport in a way that will ensure better living standards for the athletes can be enhanced. I will keep advocating, and whenever a government body decides to listen to reason, I will be more than willing to share my expertise in making recommendations to the Nigerian legislatures on the proper governance instruments that conform to global best practices.
It is crystal clear that Mr Olusanya is well-liked by the Special Athletes Community in Ekiti State due to the immense legal education he has shared with the special athletes, which makes them empowered and concentrates on exploits within their sports.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then