In the spirit of giving back to the society, a U.S based Edo born Basketball player Gregory Eboigbodin has sponsored a 2-day community Outreach Basketball Competition for youths in Benin City.
The community Outreach Basketball competition began today at the Emotan College Basketball Court along Wire Road in Benin City with over 180 young boys and girls in attendance. The event will be coming to an end tomorrow (Sunday).
The Emotan College Court, known as special ground for talent discovery was packed full as the day one sporting activities recorded a huge turnout of enthusiasts and young Basketball players drown from various colleges with and outside Benin.
Top coaches including Victor Umoru,Philips Ojo and Adeola Oboro were on ground to support in organising and identifying talents for further nurturing.
Speaking during the opening ceremony,the sponsor of the Basketball camp, Gregory Eboigbodin said that he sponsored the games to encourage younger athletes with a view to helping them discover their talents and pursue a career in basketball like himself did.
” I came back home from America to give back to my native land Edo. I feel that the best way to appreciate those that contributed to my career in Basketball and going to USA to study is by sponsoring this kind of community outreach so we can help some of the young ones who aspire to study abroad and pursue careers. I was born and brought up in Benin. I started playing basketball in this Emotan College court before I traveled to US in 2013. So,if I could achieve all that I have been able to do within the period,I believe other children can do same and even better. I will continue to reach out to my people and see how we can raise some of them.” He said.
In her remark, the Permanent Secretary Edo State Sports Commission Mrs Sabina Chikere encouraged the young Basketball player in attendance to emulate Gregory Eboigbodin and as well remember to be serious about education as they are encouraged to take career in Basketball.
“Sports nowadays have become big business and the best way to go about it is for our children to combine it with education so that in later days they do not become beggars. I encourage you to be committed and learn from professional so you become ambassadors of Edo and Nigeria in future. Edo state government and the sports Commission are committed to providing the enabling environment for sports men and women to excel. Particularly,we want a strong Basketball team for Edo state. We will continue to support and partner good people like Gregory Eboigbodin who have the same vision to help nurture our talents to stardom. I salute the courage and magnanimity of young Gregory Eboigbodin who has remembered to give back to his society. ” Sabina said while also appreciating Gregory Eboigbodin’s parents who supported their son doing great things for the Benin community.
