By Angela Ijeoma Ekwowusi
In order to discourage youths from unwholesome practices and engaging them in developmental activities that that are expected to propel them for a great future, the Ikpoba – Okha local council, has organised a secondary school athletics championship competition for all secondary schools in the locality.
The two – day event which began on the 2nd of May 2024 and ended on the 3rd of May 2024, was held at the Western Boys High School field in Benin City, Edo state.
It had participants drawn from secondary schools like Queen Ede, Maria Goretti, Western Boys High School, Niger College, Lulu private school, among others.
According to the head of the council sports commission, Mr Adams Imade, the athletic championship competition was put together by the council chairman, Dr Eric Osayande whose mission in catching them young was hinged on the need to prepare the young ones early enough through sports and mentor them up to the National level.
In his words: “the athletic championship was borne out of the magnanimity of the council chairman to put his people at the forefront when it comes to sports by catching the young ones at a very tender age so that they could be discouraged in indulging in anti – social vices and encouraged them on the path to toe.
Ikpoba-Okha LG chairman, Dr . Eric Osayande, presenting awards to winners of the competition.
Participants were drawn from both mixed and non – mixed secondary schools in the council.
The annual event which had over 20 secondary schools in attendance, contested in various fields and track events, ranging from 100m race, 200m race, 400m race, 400m relay race, 800m race, discourse, javelin, shot put and long jump.
It was learnt that against the background of discovering raw talents through sports, previous competitions had already produced two athletes who are now at the National sports level.
Also, the Chief Press Secretary of the Council Chairman, Mr Eseosa Ewere, averred that the initiative of the council boss to introduce sports early to school children is gradually paying off as more talents are being discovered in the locality and mentored to the National level.
He hinted that it is the council’s mission to discourage juvenile delinquency and engage them in meaningful ventures through sports and cultural activities.
“The council chairman deemed it fit to organise sports and cultural competitions to discover raw talents trom the grassroots and harness them into full potential for the country.
“The ideal is to discourage juvenile delinquency among juveniles and make them productive in the areas of sports and cultural activities. Already we have two of our products representing us at the National sports level”, he enthused.
Some of the winners approached for comment offered their appreciation to the Ikpoba-Okha council boss for creating the enabling environment for them to demonstrate their sporting prowess and were delighted on the awards received.
Highlights of the event was a free NIN registration and certificates to participants while award of special gifts, including cash were given to winners, amongst other incentives.
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