By Uzor Odigbo
The 5th edition of Eyoto Academy Sports competitions may have come and gone, the high performance of young talents from over 40 schools still resonate in and around Benin City.
The high point of the Competition was the heart pumping 100/200m competition boys and girls.
The long jump event was the delight of spectators that kept them cheering at every jump non-stop.
Following the high technical standard of the Competition, all athletes above 15 years were screened out leaving those within the 15 years age bracket to participate.
The 4×100m, 4×400m relay races boys and girls and 200m deaf girls competitions attracted huge applause from spectators who stood on their feet owing to the high competitive nature of the top notch athletic showpiece.
Interestingly, sequel to the superlative performance of the young athletes, Eyoto technical group and organisers of the 2-day competition at the Samuel Ogbenudia Stadium picked 10 best athletes from various events and schools for Awards, ranging from scholarships, cash prices, trophies, medals, plaques, spike shoes, etc.
They are Omosivwe Treasure, Chisom Anayo
Abu Ruth, Musa Aliat, Gift Ikechukwu, Joy Joshua Omonigho, Obarodion Dominion, Usaide Ovie, Oyie Marvelous and Onuoha Chinoso Alexander. Four of these best athletes emerged from the same school, Lord’s Own Academy, Benin City.
The closing ceremony witnessed huge outpour of excitement, jubilation from athletes, Schools and coaches as they walk home hugging their prizes and awards.
The competition was watched by notable dignitaries, top ex-athletes and spectators.
President of Eyoto Sports Academy, Chief Dr. Felix Idahosa in his remarks said, “When we look back to the first competition till date, our greatest joy is seeing young people compete with all their hearts and strength. We are helping to turn raw talents into world-class athletes in Nigeria from a far.
“As we look ahead to the future, we want to continue to carefully identify, nurture, and support these young athletes to accomplish their goals in Sports and Academics. The coaches also played pivotal role in this effort. This is our hope”.
“We are in the business of helping athletes find their personal athletic success by helping them develop community support, help them discover themselves in sports and other life endeavour”.
Also acknowledging the President’s future aspirations, the Vice President Dr. Festus Idahosa Erese, re-echoed the fact that “The Eyoto Executive Council is thrilled with the direction the Organization is heading by introducing Rugby 2026 edition as a new feature in addition to our traditional Athletics events”.
The treasurer of the group and former shot put champion Friday Enoye insisted that the 2025 edition will surpass expectations.
“We are committed to ensuring that the upcoming edition will set a new benchmark in terms of organization, competition, and talent discovery”.
“Moving forward, Eyoto Sports Academy will be adding Rugby Competition in 2025 and Basketball in 2026, edition,” the President assured..