Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), has announced an impressive turnout for the upcoming 2024 Anambra School Sports Festival. Slated to run from May 2 to June 7 in Awka, the event will see participation from 756 primary and secondary schools, marking a significant increase from the 600 schools involved in the previous year.
During a pre-competition press conference, Onyedum highlighted the expanded scope of the festival, which will feature 12 sports including Athletics, Basketball, Chess, and more across various age categories. He reflected on the success of the inaugural festival last year, which led to the discovery of several talented youths who later excelled at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. Some of these young athletes have since received academic scholarships.
The festival is part of the broader Anambra State Sports Solution Initiative, aimed at nurturing young talent and integrating sports into the educational development of students. Onyedum praised the collaborative efforts of the state’s Education Commissioner, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, for her support in fostering both academic and athletic growth among students.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff Ernest Ezeajughi, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sports development as a tool for youth empowerment and social development. Soludo urged more stakeholders to engage with the state’s sports programs to maximize their impact.
This festival not only promises to be a thrilling event but also a pivotal platform for discovering and developing future sports stars in the region.
