THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013 SPORTS In , dreams are growing

LAGOS: Abiodun Francis Ayetimiyi was me,” the teenager said with a grin, leaning his own camps in Nigeria. And former nity to not join gangs, to go to school and meant to follow his father and pursue forward to make his point. Seattle Supersonics and to be a better person,” he said. He said that medicine in Nigeria. He found a different Picked by the NBA as one of seven center Olumide Oyedeji. many Nigerians leave to play in other path one morning seven years ago when Nigerians to attend the recent talent- On a steaming hot Friday in the Yaba countries “because they need money, they he was playing soccer and came upon scouted Basketball Without Borders camp neighborhood of Lagos, Oyedeji coaches need to support their families.” another ball, a big orange one. in South Africa, Ayetimiyi is among a new at least 250 kids from the age of five and The reality right now is the average The 16-year-old’s natural speed and generation ready to ride the momentum up who practice layups, passes and basic salary in the Nigerian league is only about athleticism now have him pursuing bas- basketball is gaining in this West African dribbles wearing brightly colored T-shirts. $100 a month, said Joe Touomou, the Mark ketball stardom, a dream that is becoming country of nearly 160 million people, albeit The 6-foot-10 Oyedeji plays with them, Mentors head coach and a consultant to more achievable in a country that pro- decades after Olajuwon blazed a trail. towering over the youngsters who line up the Nigerian Basketball Federation, the duced one of the NBA’s greats but, like Nigeria’s participation in the 2012 laughing and clapping for each other NBBF - “not enough for a kid to live off.” most of Africa, has had little space for any Olympics raised the international visibility around four different baskets. With the Touomou is part of a bigger plan to sport other than soccer. of the country’s basketball talent, but sev- blow of a whistle, everyone stops and lis- encourage youngsters to seek careers in About 30 years after Hall of Famer eral Nigerians who had already made it to tens, excited to be in his gentle, inspiring basketball. That involves the promised Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon first international stardom also make it a priori- presence. The subsidized camp gives the land of playing for college teams in the emerged from the sprawling city of Lagos, ty to actively encourage the sport back underprivileged kids a chance to learn the United States and the chance for two Ayetimiyi is part of a new drive for basket- home. sport, and be close to a Nigerian hero. things; better coaching and a good educa- “Nigeria is my home. I started this camp tion - opportunities Olajuwon seized in the so I can share my experiences,” Oyedeji early 1980s at the University of Houston, said. “I hope we can contribute to their and others have also more recently taken. lives and give them hope for the future Yet, not all Nigerian kids will make it to an because that’s what basketball gave me. I American college so there’s work being had a difficult childhood.” done at home, too. Kids gather close, hanging on Oyedeji’s Nigeria’s Basketball Federation wants to LAGOS: In this photo taken , Sept. words. Oyedeji will leave soon for Japan, foster local talents. Touomou, a 10, 2013, a child learns ball work where he now plays. But his impact will Cameroonian who played for Georgetown during a basket ball camp organized remain, for girls as well as boys. and turned to coaching after an injury, is by former Seattle Supersonics and “Even though we (girls) are not recog- also tasked with building coaching expert- Orlando Magic center Olumide nized very well, we can still play. I want to ise in the capital Abuja and its surrounding Oyedeji. —AP be the best and play for the WNBA,” said state. “Every time I came here I was 15-year-old Ibeh Lucy Chinelo, who started impressed by the potential. The size, the in Africa, including Nigeria, from this year. a pickup game during the camp’s lunch athleticism, the strength of the players,” “Fifty countries are watching the game break. Her friend Ayomide Olukayode Touomou said of Nigeria. “The one thing I and it’s unbelievable,” Umar said. Young chimed in: “I want to be a professional knew was lacking was the skills. A lot of hopeful Ayetimiyi leaps high to dunk in player and I want to play for the national players were not polished yet, a lot of play- Lagos, then dribbles the ball back to cen- team.” ers lacked game experience, a lot of play- ter court, skipping with pleasure in his Nigeria is offering more local opportu- ers lacked good coaching.” shiny sneakers and sharp, white long- nities: high school teams, university Tijjani Umar, president of the NBBF, said sleeved Basketball Without Borders jersey. leagues and state franchises like Mark basketball in Nigeria “needs the private Basketball’s exposure on TV is what LAGOS: In this photo taken, Sept. 5, 2013, an unidentified player from Mark Mentors, Kano Pillars, Union Bank and sector to take interest.” Nike has signed to Mentors BC (centre) in red and black is challenged by Kano Pillars players changed his father’s opinion. “My parents Dodan Warriors, who faced off at Nigeria’s be the official uniform provider for the saw me on TV during a state festival game during Nigeria’s own final four in Lagos, Nigeria which the Pillars went on to own Final Four in September. national team and a subsidiary of the win. —AP and said I was too good to stop playing,” Dodan Warriors forward Ifeanyi Modo sports management group IMG is looking he said. “They were proud of me, and I’m ball here, and a chance for new dreams in First came Olajuwon, the two-time NBA started playing at a local court in Ajegunle, into Nigeria, Umar said. lucky I have their support.” Nigeria. “In my country I’m known here, champion and 12-time All-Star with the a Lagos neighborhood known for churn- DSTV, a South African satellite televi- He circles back to the court, grins, drib- but I want to be known elsewhere. I want Houston Rockets. More recently there has ing out soccer players, though also known sion network that beams across the conti- bles and goes for another layup, believing my hard work to be seen by agents, coach- been Toronto Raptors General Manager for its slum areas and gangs. nent, has a four-year sponsorship program every shot he makes can take him closer to es. I’d like to finish high school in the U.S. Masai Ujiri, who directs the Basketball “Basketball gives you an opportunity to with the NBBF. Live NBA games will also be his dream of international basketball star- They don’t need to put much work into Without Borders Africa program and runs get off the streets, it gives you an opportu- broadcast on that network to 47 territories dom. —AP Blackhawks down Capitals

CHICAGO: Brandon Saad, Johnny Oduya and Marian Hossa scored in the third period as the Chicago Blackhawks kicked off their Stanley Cup title defense with a 6-4 victory over Mikhail Grabovski and the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in the NHL regular-season opener. Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook and Brandon Bollig also scored as Chicago won its first game for the second straight season. Corey Crawford made 28 saves, ’s Championship battle to including a couple of huge stops when the Blackhawks killed off a be decided at the Nurburgring late 5-on-3 power play. DUBAI: Nissan takes its team of talented Grabovski had three goals and gamers to the Nurburgring in Germany this an assist in his first game since weekend for the final round of the Blancpain he signed with Washington in Endurance Series. The result of this race will August. Alex Ovechkin had a decide both the driver and team titles in the goal and an assist, but the Pro-Am class of the 2013 Series. Capitals were unable to protect The Pro-Am team championship is a a third-period lead. straight fight between Nissan and Ferrari, cur- Grabovski had consecutive rently separated by just one point with Nissan power-play goals in the third, having the upper hand. lifting Washington to a 3-2 Lucas Ordonez leads the Pro-Am driver’s advantage with 14:44 left. But championship, ahead of team-mates Peter Saad finished a beautiful give- Pyzera and but with 33 points and-go with Michal Handzus, awarded to the race winner that title battle is and Oduya converted a long still wide open. Nissan GT Academy Team RJN Salman Al Khater — 2013 ME GT slap shot at 13:53 to put the will field two cars for this event. The No.35 Academy Winner Blackhawks ahead to stay. CHICAGO: Martin Erat No. 10 of the Washington Capitals controls the puck under pressure from Patrick Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 will be raced by Lucas Exchange. I was very surprised and impressed Sharp No. 10 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. —AFP Ordonez, Wolfgang Reip and Peter Pyzera, by the three drivers who have been over to MAPLE LEAFS 4, CANADIENS 3 while the sister No.32 GT-R will be in the hands Japan so far (Lucas, Alex and Jann). They only Lars Eller’s second goal of the and undergoing more tests. added an assist in his first NHL of Alex Buncombe, and Jann In Montreal, Tyler Bozak needed three laps to get used to driving at a game with 2:22 left brought the game for the Jets, who made Mardenborough who will also be competing in scored a short-handed goal and new track before they were putting in very Mason Raymond netted the win- Canadiens within 4-3 but they JETS 5, OILERS 4 their first appearance as a the British F3 International Series at the quick laps. I also really enjoyed racing with Nurburgring this weekend. The final event of ner in his first game with the couldn’t get even. Eller also set In Edmonton, Michael Frolik Winnipeg team in Edmonton Lucas. He is a good guy with a great racing abil- up a goal by Brendan Gallagher. scored a pair of goals, and the since 1996. Mark Scheifele and the Blancpain Endurance Series is a one-off ity and I hope to race and share the same car Maple Leafs as Toronto spoiled 1000kms race so tactics and strategy will play a Montreal’s home opener. The mood turned somber Winnipeg Jets rallied to spoil Bryan Little also scored for the with him again.” The six-hour Nurburgring 2:34 into the third period Edmonton’s home opener with a Jets, and Ondrej Pavelec made key part in the outcome. Lucas Ordonez is 1000kms gets underway this Sunday at James van Riemsdyk and when Parros was prone on the 5-4 victory over the Oilers. 34 saves for the win. Luke ready to get out there and fight for the champi- 1215hrs CET. Qualifying takes place on Dion Phaneuf also scored in a onship. “It’s a long race so anything can happen Saturday at 1650hrs CET and you can follow all fight-filled game in which ice. Orr had fallen and pulled With 5:02 left, Eric Tangradi Gazdic, Boyd Gordon, Ales but I will be racing with the championship in the action on nismo.tv. Montreal’s new enforcer George down Parros, who was bleed- sent a beautiful backhand pass Hemsky and Jesse Joensuu my mind,” said Lucas. “It will be a tough track for MOMENT OF TRUTH Parros was carried off on a ing and looked woozy. A team in front to Frolik, who broke a 4- scored for the Oilers, who us so we really need to nail the set up. I’ve not While most of the GT Academy graduates stretcher following a bout. of trainers from both teams 4 tie by directing his second squandered a 4-2 lead. Dubnyk actually raced on the Grand Prix track before are fighting for the Blancpain title at the Toronto’s Colton Orr pulled spent several minutes treating goal of the night into the net stopped 23 shots. Gazdic’s goal but I have done many driving events there. I Nurburgring, two of the newest winners will be Parros down during the fight him. The Canadiens said before goalie Devan Dubnyk was changed to Mike Brown but won my class at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in taking part in their prize drive at Silverstone. and the Canadiens forward’s Parros sustained a concussion, could get back across the crease. then awarded back to Gazdic 2012 though so it is a good place for me. This is Salman Al Khater and Ashley Oldfield are face crashed into the ice. but was alert and conscious Jacob Trouba also scored and after the game.—AP a very important event for me, for Nissan and the winners of the 2012 GT Academy competi- for GT Academy. It has been a very busy and tions in the Middle East and South Africa very exciting year and I hope we can finish it respectively. Since winning GT Academy last with a championship in our hands.” Like Lucas, March, Salman and Ashley have been on an Pirates down Reds to book NLDS berth Peter Pyzera has never competed on the Grand intensive driver development programme to Prix track but he knows it well from taking part prepare for them for international competition. PITTSBURGH: After more than two decades of of the infield until the fourth inning. The Martin became the only catcher ever to hit in many track days there. “I really like the Like Lucas Ordonez, and misery, the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrated their Dominican walked one and struck out five postseason home runs for three different teams, atmosphere at the Nurburgring and that fact all of the winners before them their prize is to return to postseason action with a rousing 6-2 before giving way to Tony Watson and closer having previously homered for the Los Angeles that this is my home race makes a big differ- compete in an international endurance event home victory over the Cincinnati Reds in their Jason Grilli. Dodgers and New York Yankees in the playoffs. ence to me,” said Peter. “It is only two hours in a Nismo GT4 race car. do-or-die National League wild card playoff Second-inning home runs by Marlon Byrd Choo got the Reds one run closer with a from my home so I hope to get a lot of local An important part of the GT Academy game on Tuesday. and Martin off Reds starter Johnny Cueto got home run in the eighth but the Korean’s blast support. I have a good feeling about this race. process is the lessons the winners learn from Left-hander Francisco Liriano held the Reds the Pirates started and they added another run was not enough as Pittsburgh won in the post- To be honest the only time I haven’t had a good their mentors. Lucas was mentored by Johnny to one run on four hits over seven innings and in the third on a sacrifice fly by Pedro Alvarez for season for the first time since 1992. feeling before a race was at Ricard and that did- Herbert in 2008 and the ex-F1 star joined Lucas was backed by two home runs from catcher a 3-0 lead. “Those balls in the heart of the plate are high- n’t go well at all! This is my first season as a rac- on the grid for the 2009 Dubai 24 Hours. For Russell Martin as a standing-room only crowd of The home run by 36-year-old Byrd came in percentage pitches to hit and out of the park,” ing driver and we are going to the last race Ashley and Salman they have the expertise of more than 40,000 at PNC Park waved black han- his first postseason at-bat after playing 1,250 Baker said about the troubles experienced by leading the championship. I’m very proud to be Tomas Scheckter to call upon as the successful kies and roared their support at Pittsburgh’s first major league games for seven clubs. Cueto and the six relievers that followed him to part of this team and I hope we can hit our tar- South African racer will join them for the playoff game in 21 years. The victory advanced Cincinnati got on the scoreboard with a the mound. gets at the Nurburgring. It would be great to Silverstone 1000kms this weekend. the Pirates to the best-of-five Division Series fourth-inning run that made it 3-1 when Jay Baker bemoaned the narrowly missed oppor- stay in front of Ferrari and maybe get a podium. CLEAN SWEEP against the top-seeded NL Central champion Bruce’s two-out single to left scored Shin-Soo tunity the Reds had in the fourth. “It’s a different To win the championship would be fantastic so Philippe Sinault’s Signatech Team won the Cardinals starting today in St Louis. Choo, who became the first Reds player to reach ball game if Frazier’s ball stays fair. That’s a totally like always I will give 100% and see what hap- European Le Mans Series race at the “You talk about feeling good all over,” Pirates base when he was hit by a pitch leading off the different ball game,” he said. pens.” The Nurburgring 1000kms will also see Hungaroring last weekend, leading home a manager Clint Hurdle told reporters after get- frame. Martin saluted the work of starter Liriano and another Nismo Exchange taking place when Nissan-powered 1-2-3-4 and continuing the ting showered with champagne by his players. The Reds almost tied it up later in the fourth, the lift the team got from the fans and looked Nismo’s Kazuki Hoshino jumps into the No.23 clean sweep of Nissan victories in both the “Our ball park showed up. Our fan base but third baseman Todd Frazier’s bid for a two- forward to the rest of the postseason. JRM Racing GT-R with Peter Dumbreck and ELMS and FIA WEC. The FIA World Endurance showed up. Our city showed up. Our guys fed off run homer drifted to the foul side of the left-field “Francisco pitched an unbelievable game and Steven Kane. “Thank you very much to Nissan Championship moves to the United States this of that from the beginning,” he added. line before Liriano struck him out to end the we were able to score some runs for him,” his for giving me the chance to race in Blancpain, weekend to race at the “It was tremendous energy. I’ve been to a lot threat. battery mate said. “It was overall a great day for said Kazuki. “I am very interested in the series in Houston. With seven LM P2 cars powered by of great venues, played in some important The Pirates promptly extended the lead in everybody in Pittsburgh. and I like the track so much. I have been there Nissan the racing will be as close as ever so games, but that spark from our fan base, I don’t their half of the fourth with two more runs after “This is 20 years of waiting and you just five times for the Nurburgring 24 Hours but not tune into radiolemans.com or catch the action know if I ever felt that before.” doubles by Starling Marte and Neil Walker that saw it all come out in one night. Hopefully, this year so I am pleased to go there again. It is live at fiawec.com when the race gets under- Liriano was dominant, setting down the first made it 5-1, and Martin crushed another home we can keep this atmosphere late into good to be part of the Nismo Global Driver way on Sunday at 11:00hrs local time. nine Reds batters, who did not get the ball out run off reliever Logan Ondrusek in the seventh. October.”—Reuters