By Uzor Odigbo
It’s one thrilling athletics Championships many Athletes, Games masters and Parents won’t forget in a hurry, following the awarding of prizes to School teams and individual Athletes at the end of the 4th edition of Eyoto Sports Academy U-15 Championship.
It was jubilation galore as emerging Young talents and their schools cart away gifts including canvass, spike shoes, scholarship awards and individual cash prizes won in both team and individual events.
Highlights of the Two day Eyoto Championship witnessed an upgrade when organisers agreed to accommodate Athletes who were slightly above U-15 to compete in the elite group of U-17 which was not initially planned.
Eyoto Sports Academy President Chief Felix Idahosa in his reaction said, “It would be difficult for these Young stars to come this far and get disqualified based on slight age differences. I have to direct that some of them enthusiastic enough to compete be allowed to do so with full prize compliments. Who knows?” he said.
Ten Athletes with best performance got scholarships awards worth N200, 000 each, in addition, three best performing schools also got N200.000, N150.000 and N100.000, for first, second and third positions respectively.
Games masters and technical officials were also recognised as they pocketed cash rewards.
Athletes performance during the Championship was commendable as most of them displayed deep signs of improvement for the foreseeable future.
The treasurer of Eyoto Sports Academy and former Shot put Champion, Friday Enoye who is based in the US said the real concern is not what Athletes performed in this Championship, but which of them showed signs of being a future Champion if encouraged.
According to him, a lot of the Kids through this Championship have really performed well and the academy has taken note of them, especially those given scholarships today.
He predicted that the 5th edition will be more thrilling next year.
He was grateful to the Edo State schools and Sports Commission for the beautiful sports facilities and the use of Athletes and Sponsors.
