Omar Kane known as Reug Reug presented, Thursday afternoon, his MMA world champion belt to the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, during a ceremony at the auditorium of the Ousmane Tanor sphere Dieng. The mayor of Thiaroye as well as notables, women and young people from the town took part in the meeting. This could not be a more appropriate opportunity for the wrestler to send a message to young people against the scourge of irregular migration by canoes which affects Thiaroye and other communities on the coast.
To do this, he returned to an anecdote revealing his great confidence in his abilities. “I remember in 2008, there was a canoe that was supposed to leave for illegal emigration. At that time, I was in the prime of life and I was a fisherman. The guys asked me to go with them, but I refused,” he said to applause from the audience.
“I believed in my potential and was sure that what people were looking for abroad, I could have in my country,” continued the athlete, also excelling in simple and striking wrestling.
For training prospects in the martial art which has earned him worldwide recognition, Reug Reug announced his wish – already shared by the President of the Republic – to build a complex in Diamniadio to introduce young people to Mma. “It is a strong message that Reug Reug is sending to the young people of this country to tell them that it is possible to succeed by staying in Senegal. We are happy with the message he sent,” noted Minister Fatou Diouf. “It is not forbidden to travel, but it must be done according to the rules. Traveling in makeshift canoes for dozens and dozens of kilometers, without any alternative, is almost suicide,” the minister made clear. “Before being a wrestler, Reug Reug is a fisherman and the son of a fisherman, and belongs to the Lebou community of Thiaroye,” said Ms. Diouf to motivate the invitation. She, on the occasion, raised the Thiaroye wrestler to the rank of ambassador of the ministerial department.
By Alioune Badara THIS IS THE TIME – [email protected]
