Anaocha Holds 2nd U-18 Athletics Championship In Anambra

The 2nd Anaocha U-18 Athletics Championship ended on Saturday with Scholarships, Cash, Book gifts awarded to budding athletes who participated in the various events.

The 2-day Athletics and Track/Field which involved secondary schools from the 10 communities in Anaocha Local Government Area held at the Ichida Community Secondary School, Ichida.

The events in which the young athletes competed for victory included 100m, 200m, 400, 800 male and female categories, 4x100m relay, mixed relay, Discus, Shot Put Javelin, Triple Jump,

The Athletics Championship was sponsored by notable individuals from the local government including Chief Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze).

Speaking at the ceremony, Sen. Victor Umeh, chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Budding athletes in the country have been advised to take their education seriously while pursuing a career in sports.

The Athletics Championship was sponsored by notable individuals from the local government including Chief Ikenna Okafor (Ide Akwaeze).

Umeh, who represented Anambra Central District said every talented athlete especially those in the primary and secondary school age should not abandon their studies as it provided long term skills that would protect the fame and fortune from sports.

He said Anaocha had produced world sports champions including Power Mike, Obi Mikel, Victor Anichebe, Atuegbu brothers and expressed confidence that future starts would be discovered from the competition.

He lauded Patrick (Estate) Onyedum, chairman of Anaocha local government and a former athlete for promoting sports at the grassroots and engendering positive competition among youths.

"As you pursue excellence in sports, take your education seriously, that is what will take you places.

"You need education to be relevant, those who remain relevant after active sports are those that bring knowledge to the table," he said

Earlier in his address, Onyedum who is also Chairman, Anambra Athletics Association, said the championship was in fulfillment of his promise to continue to provide a platform for budding talents in the area to develop themselves.

He said the finalists were drawn from the 10 communities in the council who emerged from the preliminary athletic competition organised for the 16 secondary schools in the LGA.

He said Nigeria as a nation would be a better place if friendship and love through sports were maintained.

"I seize this opportunity to appreciate the Principals of various schools,game masters, sponsors and students and the State Government for their contributions towards the success of the event," he said.

Johnpaul Chukwuma and Peace Eze from Community Secondary Obeledu were overall best male and female athletes with five gold and five gold, one silver respectively.

Scholarships, cash, books and trophies were awarded to deserving athletes and schools for their feat at the event.

Johnny Igboka, Anambra Athletics Team Coach expressed satisfaction with the level of enthusiasm among the youths and quality of the contest.

Igboka said there were a lot of budding talents that could be developed to future champions of properly groomed.

Dozie Nwankwo, member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency, Chief Bobisco Okoye, Chief Inno Chiekezie were asking those who assisted to decorate winners.