……Reintroduction of school sports nurturing new talents
The Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), Chief Patrick-Estate Onyedum, says Anambra State has recorded steady growth in sports development over the past four years under the administration of Chukwuma Soludo.
Speaking during an interview at his office in Awka, Onyedum stated that the state has surpassed many of its previous sporting achievements while maintaining consistency in policies and participation at national sporting events.
According to him, deliberate reforms introduced by the commission have repositioned sports development in the state, especially with the reintroduction of school sports, which he said has played a vital role in discovering and nurturing young talents.
He revealed that the state broke previous records during the National Youth Games held in Asaba in 2022, where the team won eight gold medals alongside several silver and bronze medals.
Onyedum explained that the school sports programme, which commenced in 2023 with about 200 participating schools, was structured by age categories and involved both primary and secondary school students. The competition begins at the inter-community level, progresses to the local government and zonal stages, and culminates in a grand finale in Awka.
He noted that male and female athletes compete in about twelve sporting events including football, athletics, tennis, and table tennis.
The chairman further disclosed that the wife of the governor, Nonye Soludo, has been supporting outstanding female athletes in the state with scholarships and other incentives.
“Those discovered through the school sports programme have been awarded scholarships both within Nigeria and abroad, while some have been invited to the national team. They include Oluebube, Chigozie Nwankwo, Adaeze Eze, and Lucy Nwankwo,” he said.
Onyedum also announced that the Traders’ Games have been reintroduced as part of efforts to promote unity and healthy competition among traders while also identifying new sporting talents across the state.
