Ahead of the much-anticipated 2024 Anambra State School Sports Festival, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has called upon the Anambra State Sports Development Commission to bolster engagement programs, aiming to enlist more individuals to contribute to the flourishing sports sector.
Addressing journalists at a pre-competition press briefing, Governor Soludo emphasized the wealth of sports talent within the state, underscoring his administration’s commitment to nurturing these talents and steering youths towards constructive pursuits that enhance societal growth.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Governor Soludo highlighted the transformative impact of previous editions of the sports festival and urged all relevant stakeholders to rally behind the sports initiative to achieve even greater success. He reiterated that the endeavors of his administration are geared towards securing a brighter future for the next generation.
Mr. Patrick Agha-Mba, Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo and the Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr. Patrick Onyedum, for their dedication to sports development. He noted the instrumental role of such initiatives in nurturing talents and showcasing the state’s potential on a broader stage.
Mr. Onyedum elaborated on the Anambra State Sports Solution Initiative (ANSSI), heralding it as the driving force behind Governor Soludo’s ambitious sports agenda. He cited significant progress in revitalizing Anambra’s sporting landscape within a short span, emphasizing the resurgence of the state’s sporting prowess.
Highlighting the remarkable surge in participation, Mr. Onyedum revealed that a staggering 756 primary and secondary schools have registered for the 2024 edition of the festival, surpassing previous years’ figures. He projected that the talents unearthed during the festival would constitute a substantial portion of Anambra’s contingent at the upcoming National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
The 2024 edition of the festival promises to be an exhilarating showcase of sporting prowess, featuring competitions across 12 disciplines, including Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Football, Scrabble, Swimming, Table and Lawn Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Cricket, and Ncho. Spanning from May 2 to June 7, the games will unfold across various levels, catering to participants in Under-13, Under-14, and Under-18 categories at the community, local government area, senatorial district, and state levels.
