The Head Coach, Ondo State Table Tennis Association (OSTTA), Segun Omoniyi, has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to develop a programme for regular camping of athletes before competitions.

Omoniyi said in a telephone interview yesterday that such camps could be held quarterly, to prepare athletes adequately for tournaments. "We don't have to wait until competitions come up before inviting athletes to camp because there will not be adequate time to train them for a successful outing," he said.

According to him, the organisers of the camps should avoid any form distraction that could affect their training programme. He said that fire brigade approach to training had affected Nigeria's athletes in major international competitions hence, the need for a long-term training programme.

The OSTTA coach said the welfare of the athletes in camp should also be given adequate attention, adding that "there should be no reason, whatsoever, for them to complain."

Omoniyi also urged technical officials to update themselves with current trends in their sports.

"There are vital techniques that can help to bring out the best in athletes and officials must be acquainted with them," he said. (NAN)