THE Anambra State government has pledged to upgrade Ekwulobia Township Stadium to a state mini stadium.

Governor Willie Obiano made this promise during a four-day Inter-Seminary/Convent Sports Festival organised by the Archbishop Christian Efobi Seminary, ACES, Ekwulobia.

“I urge you to put in your best and imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship during the sporting activities.’’

The governor was represented by Tony Oli, the chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission.

Nnamdi Bennett Emendu, the chairman of Principals of Anglican Schools, Seminaries and Convents, provinces of the Niger and Enugu said that the festival was for development of the students.

“All through this event, we are more united, our faith is strengthened and we are more obedient and disciplined to the rules of game.’’

While thanking God for the success of the event, Emendu said the event would help to impart in the teachers and students the culture of equity, honesty and obedience.

“Sports are important aspects of human lives that can be positive influence on young people.

“It is an exercise that strengthens the body and human relations in the seminaries and convents,’’ Emendu said.

Chidi Obi, a reverend canon and the director of Sports, told the contingents that it was brotherly competition and not a `do or die affair.’

“You must maintain absolute decorum in the course of these events. It is a platform to interact with fellow seminarians, make friends and develop one’s talents.’’

Ifeanyi Mgbemene, a reverend canon and the principal of ACES, commended the Conference of Principals of Seminaries and Convents, CPSC, for choosing their school to host the event.

“I thank His Lordship and my Proprietor, Rev Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor and his wife for their acceptance and encouragement to host this great event.’’

Mgbemene said that sports have always been global unifying factor especially, among schools and have enhanced social interactions as well as development in the society.

He noted that the ACES had been doing well in sporting activities for a long time.

“ACES won the overall 3rd position in the Inter-Seminary Games held at Mbano in 2012, Imo State. In 2015, we placed 2nd at Bishop Crowther Seminary, Awka.

“We also won many laurels in external quiz competitions organised by different bodies such as Cowbell Mathematics Competition; National Mathematical Centre and Olympiads,’’ the principal noted.

Chijioke Ezeagu, a teacher in the school, said that sports and exercise help students to be balanced and sound academically and physically to achieve all round excellence.

Ebuka Okoye, the senior prefect, Bishop Ajayi Crowther Secondary School, Awka, described the events as one he would always remember.

“We really enjoyed ourselves. The officials, sporting activities and the stadium are of standard.

“We call on the state government to select participants who performed well in the events to represent the state in National and international sporting events,’’ Okoye appealed.

Junior and senior students drawn from different Seminaries participated in various track and field events.

BE

– Feb. 12, 2019 @ 18:15 GMT |