By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

No fewer than 2,000 students across 21 Local Governments (LGAs) are set to compete in the state finals of the Anambra School Sports Festival (ANSSSI) scheduled to hold between June 21 and June 24.

The finalists who emerged after scaling through the community, local government and zonal elimination stages which started since May 17, will take part in the finals of the 10 competitive events that would be staged in six venues in Awka, the State.

The Chairman, Anambra Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick-Estate Onyedum, who disclosed this after a meeting of the main Organising Committee and Local Government Sports Officers on Friday, described the level of competition among the students as high and expository.

According to him, the game started out with about 17,000 students from 610 about a month ago, is set to end well as preparations were on top gear for a thrilling finals and closing ceremony.

"I want to commend my sports officers at the Local Government Areas, Games Masters and Coordinators who managed the process with diligence and commitment to produce these finalists. The students showed raw and rare talents, the festival has been competitive and the spirit is high because they have longed for it, that is why we can not thank our governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo enough," he said.

He further maintained that local and foreign scouts were already in the state identifying budding talents while assuring that exceptional talents would be harvested and placed on close mentorship where they would develop their talents and pursue their studies.

He noted that the schedule released by the main organising Committee showed that venues for the various events are football, Government Technical College and Paul University football pitch; Swimming, Marble Arch Hotel and Tennis, Cheese and Scramble, City Sports Club all in Awka .