The inaugural edition of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games is set to kick off this Friday, March 22, 2024, with a grand opening ceremony scheduled to take place at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Analaba who disclosed this during a press conference held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abia Sports Council, emphasized that the initiative aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision to position Abia as a hub for sports
The Commissioner highlighted the extensive sensitization efforts conducted across the various Local Government Areas of the State, culminating in the completion of competitions at the LGA level.
He underscored the importance of nurturing young talent through school sports, emphasizing the potential for excellence when individuals are engaged from a young age.
Sir Analaba outlined plans for an exchange program aimed at enhancing the skills of Abia’s athletes by sending them to Europe for specialized training.
He said; “We will also do an exchange programme, where we will send our athletes to Europe six months or seven months for them to master what is going on.
“We will engage them and make sure they are best at it. With His Excellency ‘s approval, we are moving forward“.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his support towards Youth and Sports Development initiatives, noting significant improvements such as renovations at the Enyimba Football pitch and the lifting of the ban on Abia Warriors.
Contributing, the State Director of Sports, Mr George Obioma, revealed that students would compete in 24 different sports categories, with medals awarded along with materials beneficial for academic pursuits.
Mr Obioma stated that already, the schools sports competition at the Local Government level has been concluded adding that all 17 Local Government Areas would converge in Umuahia on Friday for the competition which he said is the first in the history of the state.
“So far, on the documentation, we have recorded 850 students already, other Local Governments are still documenting their students.
“These number came from the following Local Governments; Ikwuano, IsialaNgwa North, Obingwa, Ohafia, Ugwunagbo , Ukwa East , Ukwa West, Umuahia North and Umuahia South”.
Mr. Obioma also commended Governor Otti for his commitment to sports development, particularly in the provision of essential equipments and announced the arrival of modern basketball equipment, with more anticipated arrival of other sporting equipments including weight-lifting and para-athletics equipments.
