Anambra State Sports Commission has concluded arrangements to participate in the National U-15 Youth Games, scheduled for Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The event will run from September 7 to September 17.

Emeka Obidinma, director of Planning and Competitions in the Commission, said the state would participate in 13 sporting events at the competition.

He named the events to include Athletics, Football, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Karate, Table Tennis, Ludo, Boxing, Scrabble, Volleyball, Kunfu, Chess and Handball.

Obidinma said that Anambra U-15 Youth Team placed ahead in Handball and Football at the zonal eliminations held in July in Enugu.

This, he noted qualified both teams to represent the South East in the National competition.

The director added that Team Anambra was placed tops in football and handball at the elimination because they were the only state that featured the real Under-15 players in the two events.

“I think with the pace at which sports is growing in the state and with the understanding of the Anambra Sports Commission Chairman, Tony Oli, Anambra team will be the team to beat at the competition,’’ he said.

While expressing optimism that the team would win laurels at the event, the director noted that the level of preparation, trials conducted and welfare packages, the athletes would be motivated to put in their best.

“The chairman told the athletes that if they excel, they will be received by Gov. Willie Obiano and will have the opportunity to represent Nigeria at other international competitions.

“Our athletes have been insured against the unforeseen; this is to enable them to give off their best during the competition,’’ Obidinma said.

He said the Commission’s chairman personally attended the trial venues, preparatory to the competition to watch all the sporting activities and to ensure that the screening was carried out with fairness and credibility.

Obidinma reiterated the determination of the Commission to develop grassroots sports among the 21 Local Government Areas of the state so as to harness budding talents.

– Aug. 28, 2018 @ 17:55 GMT |