By Emmanuel Ndukuba
Awka, June 9, 2024 – Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state, has expressed commitment to recreating and rebuilding the sports economy in the state.
Soludo made the disclosure while declaring close the 2nd Anambra Sport Solution Initiative finals for primary and secondary schools held at the Awka City Stadium, Awka.
The governor, who revealed that the sports economy has the potential to increase the state GDP, among other benefits, commended all participants and winners at the various featured games.
According to him, the competition is an important beginning, mainstreaming completion at the school, inter-school, local government and state levels.
He expressed optimism that talents were identified to appear at both national and international spaces.
Speaking at the event, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission (ANSDC) said that the 2024 edition was a more successful and promising one.
He said the journey started on May 3, 2024 with 756 primary and secondary schools across the 179 communities of the state taking part in 12 sporting events.
According to him, the first edition of ANSSI in 2023 prepared Anambra for a remarkable impact at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta state where they dominated 100m , 200m, 4x100m, High Jump, Taekwondo and Karate.
“Anambra was rated the most age compliant team and about five children who excelled at that festival are enjoying academic scholarships in school in Abuja and Anambra where they are also undergoing great mentorship.
“We shall support the talented ones to explore the immense opportunities available in sports for their long term benefits.
“Already, our preparation for this year’s National Youth Games have started and talents discovered from this festival will make up to 80 per cent of that team,” he said.
Onyedum congratulated schools which participated in this festival saying they had not only competed for glory, but had bonded and created lifetime memories.
The Commissioner For Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba said that youth development is the heartbeat of Governor Soludo.
He highlighted various youth activities of the present administration including the Solution Innovation District, One Youth Two Skills, among others, calling on more youths to take advantage of the opportunities given to them.
Meanwhile, Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School, Adazi-Nukwu defeated CKC Onitsha 5-4, Onitsha on penalties to win gold in the U18 male event of Anambra Sports Development Initiative ANSSI) festival for primary and secondary schools in the state.
The thrilling and highly anticipated finale held at the Awka Township Stadium on Friday ended 1-1 apiece in the regulation time with both teams displaying exceptional and promising skill and determination.
Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School opened scoring in the first half but CKC drew levels after the break.
The game was witnessed by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.
In the game decided earlier, skilful Community School Nanka beat their rivals, Uncle Ralph de Great Academy Mgbakwu 2-0 to clinch the gold in the U14 male football event.
