All sports roads in Uyo will today lead to the Civil Service Auditorium, where His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State will preside over the Draw ceremony of the First ever Akwa Ibom State Youth Sports Festival.
The first of its kind in the Federation, the “Youth Olympics” involves students in primary and secondary schools in 25 sports and has attracted over 6000 entries from the 31 Local Government Councils of the State.
In a press conference jointly addressed by the Commissioners of Sports, Information and Education, Sir Monday Uko was full of appreciation for Governor Udom for “….this opportunity given to the youths of Akwa Ibom to bring their latent talent to the fore”
The youth and sports commissioner disclosed that immediately after the Brazil Olympics in Rio 2016,His Excellency voiced his displeasure over Nigeria’s inability to do well on global stage and attributed same to the neglect of sports at the grass roots, especially schools.
The Commissioners regretted the disappearance of traditional games masters and games mistresses in schools which impacts negatively on the sports interests of the students and inter house sports in schools.
The media parley also saw the launch of the Festival Torch on its way to the 31 local Governments and will arrive Uyo on Wednesday March 22, date for the opening ceremony.
Yesterday the Main Organising Committee worshipped at the Qua Iboe Church Ikot Ekpene Road where the Presiding priest Reverend Ibup Emah referred them to Psalm 37:3-5. He was happy they had come to commit the event to God and assured them that those who commit their ways unto the Lord and trust in Him will be given the desires of their heart.