The Abia Government has launched the Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games to promote all-round sports development in the state, especially in rural areas.
Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, made this known during a newd conference in Umuahia.
Ananaba said that the games which would commence on Friday with an opening ceremony at the Umuahia Township Stadium, was the maiden edition of the sports programme.
He said that the State Government was intentional about influencing youths in a positive way through sports.
Ananaba added that the sports programme was in line with the government’s vision to make Abia a sports destination.
He said that the sports programme had already been conducted in the 17 Local Government Areas of the state and to select winners at the local government level.
He said that the Governor’s Unity Games was a product of the sports sensitisation tour conducted by the Ministry across the state.
Ananaba said: “School sports is very important because if you catch them young, they will be the best they can.
“So, conducting the sensitisation at the Local Government and having this first edition of the Governor’s Unity Cup is the way to go.”
Ananaba said that plans were underway to begin an exchange programme, where the government would send Abia athletes to Europe for seven months to undergo professional training.
Ananaba said that the exchange programme had been designed to engage the athletes and give them a platform that would make them become the proficient.
Also, the State Director of Sports, Mr. George Obioma, described the sports competition as first of its kind in the state.
He said: “It is worthy to note that the 17 Local Government of Abia State are coming to Umuahia on Friday.
“They all will be here untill 27th. This is the first of its kind since the creation of Abia State.
“We have never had a competition where the capital city of the State played host to all Local Government of the State.
“So far, on the documentation, we have recorded 850 students already, other Local Governments are still documenting their students.
“These numbers came from the following Local Governments; Ikwuano, Isiala-Ngwa North, Obingwa, Ohafia, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North and Umuahia South.”
Obioma commended the government for providing the necessary equipment for the sporting activities.
“As at today, a truck brought in a modern basketball equipment and they are expecting more equipment including weight-lifting equipment, para-badmington equipment and others,” he said.
Obioma said that this was a clear testament of the government’s commitment to facilitating sports development in the state.
