*INVEST IN GRASSROOT SPORTS DEVELOPMENT: EYDAN, YAPJEN TELLS GOVERNMENT, CORPORATE BODIES.*


By Amb Timothy Nwachukwu


*Barr. Nonso Henry Nwebili, A legal luminary and the visionary Founder and Convener, Elite Youth Development Association of Nigeria (EYDAN) Aka YouthOclock and Amb Timothy Nwachukwu, Executive Director, Youth Advocates For Peace Justice and Empowerment Network (YAPJEN) has called on Government at all levels to invest in grassroot sports Development to discover budding talents that will place the nation on global map.*


Hon. Nonso Nwaebili revealed that grassroot sports remains an effective and valuable channel for sports development in Nigeria as its serves as a catalyst for discovering future talents who if nutured can place the country on positive limelight in the global arena.



*Barr. Nonso Nwaebili highlighted that achieving remarkable and proven result in grassroots sports development requires a blue print for innovative and strategic programs which will target young people in primary, secondary and Tertiary education.*


He postulated that in other climes who understands the imperative of grassroot sports Development are investing, expanding the scope and providing the necessary impetus for sports to thrive in their various countries and regions.


*In his words, "Sports generally have continued to take a prime place in virtually all facet of Human and National development. Sports provides employment, businesses, wealth and health opportunities for every society that appreciates it's monumental impact".*


He bemoaned the ugly trend where some schools from primary to higher institutions have little or no regards at all for sports competitions, due to absence of basic facilities and where available, such facilities are being under-utilized.


*On his part, Amb Timothy Nwachukwu appealed to corporate bodies to sponsor sporting competition in schools such as Headmasters cup, Principals cup, Vice Chancellor Cup competitions for primary, secondary and Tertiary Institutions in the country.*


He lauded the visionary founder of Elite Youth Development Association of Nigeria for his passion and commitment to partner with likemind individuals and Organisations to set the pace in grassroot development by leveraging on technological innovations and strategies.