Governor LiyelImoke of Cross River State has said the State's Primary/Secondary School Athletics and Swimming Championship initiated four-years ago has started yielding satisfactory results.
Speaking while declaring open the fourth edition of the four day championship at U.J Esuene stadium, Calabar, Imoke disclosed that since the state's aggressive and comprehensive sports development programme was introduced at the youth level, the state's records at national competitions have improved tremendously.
Imoke explained that the decision to undertake the programme was borne out of passion for his vision to take sports to its rightful position, adding that those in public service should see it as their duty and responsibility by giving children the opportunity to succeed.
He remarked that one of the greatest things about the programmes is that the children representing the state have shown exceptional skills and progress in the past three years, adding that "stakeholder's must not relent in their efforts to take sports in the country to its pride of place as well as get Nigerians to understand the need to invest in the youth for the country to be great in future".
Imoke expressed that despite some challenges, the programme is a success story because it has developed the minds of the children and hoped it will be sustained and grow from strength to strength to create a better Nigeria.
According to the Governor, the programme is envisaged to reignite the era of the Mary Onyalis since the country has not featured well in continental and international competitions.
He noted that facilities in the country are either deplorable or sub-standard while Nigerian athletes in foreign land now prefer to compete for those countries and win laurels than compete for Nigeria because such countries hold sports and sportsmen in high esteem.
The Governor observed that while those who hosted the London 2012 Olympic Games celebrated their victory, Nigeria did not care much about the initiative, explaining that it takes doggedness to create the difference.
Imoke therefore averred that the children have performed exceptionally well in the national competitions and commended the organizers for showing passion and doggedness to make it happen in difficult times.
The Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Rev. Chris Obase, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, pledged their support and cooperation for the success of the championship because it remains a legacy the present administration will leave behind.
Obase averred that Imoke is the only Governor of the State, since its inception, that has given children the opportunity to prove their worth in the field of sports, adding that he has created avenue for children to interact in a conducive atmosphere to develop their skills to become champions.He promised that Chairmen of Councils will collaborate with the Governor to ensure his vision for the state is realized.
Commissioner for Education, Prof Offiong E. Offiong, explained that what has been witnessed in the past three years is a seed sown in the compulsory inter-house sports competition introduced by State Government to discover talents, adding that the Ministry will continue to champion those virtues that will strengthen the physical and educational wellbeing of the youths to attain their full potentials.
Offiong appealed to parents to encourage their children to participate in extra¬–curricular activities while urging stakeholders and corporate bodies to support the programme.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe said the competition is designed to fulfill the objectives of the State's Comprehensive Sports Development which began in 2009, adding that through the initiative, over 4000 young athletes of school age have been discovered and presently are undergoing training and development to become future champions in different sports.
Ugbe disclosed that the programme has recorded huge success both in national and continental championships and said in furtherance of its emphasis on development of talents and the desire of the Ministry to set private sector involved in sports, UNICEM has accepted to sponsor annual football championship for both boys and girls in secondary schools.He said the Ministry has approached other corporate bodies operating in the State to take over sponsorship of some competitions because its intention to ensure that the State has a vibrant sports environment while gradually reducing government spend.
The Sports Consultant to the State Government, Dr. Bruce Ijirigho said the competition has gone a long way from its first edition, as it has achieved a lot of successes and intends to achieve more while the State has acquired state-of-the-art equipment to achieve this feat.
While thanking Governor Imoke for the achievement which the programme has recorded so far, Ijiirigho promised that those discovered in the championship will be added to those already in camp to strengthen the State's team.
The event witnessed a march past by the 18 competing Local Government areas, oath taking by a representatives of the athletes, and officials, respectively, and demonstration races.
Etung LGA came first in the march past and won the first gold medal of the championship while Abi LGA came second (silver medal) and Calabar Municipality third with a bronze medal.
We just have to commend the state governments for the way they've really improved sport in their respective states