Sen. Umeh Urges Young Athletes to Complement Talents with Good Education

Budding athletes in the country have been advised to take their education seriously while pursuing a career in sports.

Sen. Victor Umeh, chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said this at the finals of the second edition of Anaocha U-18 Athletics Championship held at Ichidi Secondary school field, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra.

Umeh representing Anambra, and the chairman of the event, said every talented athlete especially those of primary and secondary school age should not abandon their studies as it provided long term skills that would protect the fame and fortune from sports.

He noted that Anaocha had produced world sports champions including Power Mike, Obi Mikel, Victor Anichebe, Atuegbu brothers, expressing confidence that future stars would be discovered from the competition.

He lauded Patrick (Estate) Onyedum, chairman of Anaocha local government and a former athlete, for promoting sports at the grassroots and engendering positive competition among youths.

“As you pursue excellence in sports, take your education seriously, that is what will take you places.

“You need education to be relevant, those who remained relevant after active sports are those that bring knowledge to the table,” he said

Earlier in his address, Onyedum, who is also Chairman, Anambra Athletics Association, said the championship was in fulfilment of his promise to continue to provide a platform for budding talents in the area to develop themselves.

He said the finalists were drawn from the 10 communities in the council who emerged from the preliminary athletics competition organised for the 16 secondary schools in the LGA.

Nigeria as a nation, he said, would be a better place if friendship and love through sports were maintained.

“I seize this opportunity to appreciate the Principals of various schools, game masters, sponsors, students and the State Government for their contributions towards the success of the event,” he said.

Athletics and Track and Fields events competed for included 100m, 200m, 400, 800 male and female categories, 4x100m relay, mixed relay, Discus, Shot Put Javelin, Triple Jump,

Johnpaul Chukwuma and Peace Eze from Community Secondary Obeledu, emerged overall best male and female athletes having won five golds and five golds, one silver respectively.

Scholarships, cash, books and trophies were awarded to deserving athletes and schools for their performance in the events.

Johnny Igboka, Anambra Athletics Team Coach, expressed satisfaction with the level of enthusiasm among the youths and the quality of the contest.

Igboka said there were a lot of budding talents that could be developed for future championships.