The Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Mr. Obioma George, has called on ex-international athletes from Abia to support the state government’s efforts aimed at enhancing sports development.
Comrade Obioma made the remark at an event hosted by former international athlete Coach Innocent Iheme at the Umuahia Township Stadium, to celebrate Abia athletes for the 2024 National Youth Games.
He lauded Coach Iheme for efforts to motivate and support young athletes in the state, through cash donations, monthly allowances to outstanding athletes and building of a newly constructed athletics camp to the Abia State Sports Council.
Mr Obioma who stressed the importance of such contributions for the continued growth of sports in Abia, commended the ex international athlete for returning to Abia and contributing to the development of grassroot sports.
He highlighted the the government’s investments and transformative initiatives in the sports sector and pointed out that the investments were designed to build a strong foundation and provide greater opportunities for athletes within the state.
Mr Obioma said that the government’s transformative interventions had not only strengthened the sports infrastructure but also attracted potential investors to Abia.
He further noted that the achievements in the sports sector by Governor Alex Otti has drawn the attention of successful former athletes who had once passed through the Abia Sports Council.
The Sports Director while noting that “Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of sports development,” urged other ex-athletes to emulate Iheme’s support.
He encouraged the athlete’s to give their best and uphold the high standards set by the present administration.
“We must never fall below the benchmark established by the accomplishments of this administration,” Obioma asserted.
In his address, while presenting cash donations to the athletes, Coach Innocent Iheme expressed his commitment to supporting sports development in Abia.
He emphasized that his support was intended to motivate the athletes as well as to complement Governor Otti’s commitment to sports development and called on his colleagues to support the Abia Sports community.
“Without proper encouragement, they will not progress.
“I benefited from this system, and I am here to give back to the system that shaped me into who I am today,” he added.
