Olympian Madojiemu transforms school grounds for first Igueben Athletics Competition
By Uzor Odigbo
Former Nigeria’s quarter-miler Princess Mabel Madojiemu has made the impossible appear possible by transforming Government secondary school grounds tracks for the upcoming Madojiemu U-15 athletics competition holding from February 20-23rd at homeland, Igueben kingdom, Benin.
In a chat, the Olympian said, “it would be proper for young talents to have a feel of what it takes to run or compete on improvised Tartan tracks at the village level. The school in Igueben has no tartan and I desire to bring the competition home to my people, there are somethings that must be done.
“Our technical experts are putting up something fantastic on which young athletes will find good to run on.”
The competition which she organised to mark the 40th coronation and anniversary of the King of Igueben kingdom will have many trappings of traditional events such as dancing, wrestling, traditional engagement, award presentations, medals and many more by the Monarch.
According to the technical director of the Competition Coach Mutiu Oluwa, works are ongoing at the arena in Igueben kingdom for a healthy competition which is the first in the kingdom.
“Everyone here is happy that Athletes, invited guests and others would be trooping down here to witness the first athletics event at Igueben. I thought it would be impossible but the Sponsor (Princess) said, no way, let’s move in and do something. And here we are,” he said.
Expectedly, all events and schools expected are ready except for finishing touches to some courts like the long jump, discuss throws and a few others.
Oluwa believes that despite the competition clashing with the AFN under 17 athletics Competition in Asaba, there won’t be regrets as all Schools invited are resident in Igueben except for two or three from outside the kingdom.
The 3rd edition was held last year April at the Samuel Ogbenudia Stadium, Benin City.
