Excited Udom leads Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival’s draw ceremony

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State will today at the Civil Service Auditiorium, Uyo, preside over the draw ceremony of the first Akwa Ibom State Youth Sports Festival, the organisers have revealed.

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 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 2016, Governor Udom voiced his displeasure over Nigeria’s inability to do well on global stage and attributed same to the neglect of sports at the grassroots, 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.

“In our days, inter house sports was something to look out for. Today only private schools have sustained the legacy and it is not right. A vacuum has been created between stars of old and the present generation and we must do everything possible to bridge that gap through this Youth Sports Festival,” Uko said.

The media parley also saw the launching of the Festival Torch on its way to the 31 local Governments and will arrive Uyo on Wednesday 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.

Today’s colourful draw ceremony will be spiced with songs and cultural displays, as well as the launch of the Festival theme song and the Festival mascot.