The Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, has urged the 680 athletes from the state’s 17 Local Government Areas participating in the inaugural China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) U-15 Youth Games to compete with determination and integrity.
The opening ceremony of the games took place on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
In his remarks, Commissioner Ekweremadu expressed gratitude to the state’s Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for facilitating the event, which he described as historic with significant socio-economic benefits, particularly for the youth.
“I thank Governor Peter Mbah for making this historic event possible. It has a huge socio-economic impact on the state, especially on our teeming youths,” said Ekweremadu.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of fair play, noting that the competition is an opportunity to identify the best athletes who will represent Enugu State at the National Youth Games, scheduled to take place in Delta State from September 10th to 20th, 2024.
“We call on all athletes to do their best by playing hard and winning fairly,” he added.
To incentivize the athletes, the local government that emerges with the most medals will be awarded N1 million. The second and third-placed local governments will receive N500,000 and N300,000, respectively. In addition, individual athletes who excel will also be recognized with various prizes.
The games commenced with exciting 4×100 meters relay heats and a football match between the U-15 teams of Nkanu-East and Udenu Local Governments. The closely contested football match ended with a 3-2 victory for Udenu.
The U-15 Youth Games continue on Friday with a full schedule of events, as the young athletes compete for both medals and the opportunity to advance to the national stage.
