The vibrant city of Lagos has become the epicenter of strategic wordplay as the inaugural Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) President’s Cup (PPC) and the African Youth Scrabble Championships (AYSC) commenced with fervor yesterday.
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The prestigious four-day event is being hosted at the Orchid Hotel, Ikota-Lekki, and the Chrisland School in Lekki, drawing participants from across Africa and even the United States (U.S.).
Organized by PANASA, the competition has brought together an impressive array of talent, with more than 225 players hailing from various African countries and the U.S. The captivating clash of intellects is underway, as players engage in intense word battles and strategic maneuvers on the scrabble board.
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Enthusiasm runs high, with representation from Botswana, Cameroun, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, The Gambia, Uganda, and the gracious hosts, Nigeria, adding a colorful diversity to the event. The contest features two distinctive segments: the PANASA President’s Cup (PPC) and the African Youth Scrabble Championship (AYSC).
The PANASA President’s Cup attracts a global roster of elite players, while the AYSC is a platform reserved exclusively for young African scrabble prodigies aged 19 years and under. The youth competitors are vying for the coveted U-15 and U-19 trophies, which showcase the future stars of the Scrabble arena.
The opening ceremony, graced by distinguished personalities, including the honorable presence of Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai Napotikan, the governor of Turkana County Province of Kenya, set the tone for this exhilarating battle of words.
Amidst anticipation and camaraderie, the players are competing for substantial prize money.
The PPC boasts a staggering $32,000 prize pool, while the AYSC offers $9,000, along with numerous spot prizes and appealing gifts ranging from laptops to tablets and smartphones.
The event is not all about fierce competition; tomorrow, young participants will have the opportunity to explore the cultural landmarks of Lagos during an exciting excursion.
The bustling National Museum, the lush Lekki Conservation Park, the iconic Kalakuta Museum, and the vibrant Nike Arts Gallery are all on the itinerary, promising an enriching experience beyond the scrabble board.
In addition to individual accolades, the top-performing team will seize the glory, walking away with a coveted prize of $1,000. With national pride on the line, each President’s Cup team, consisting of a minimum of three players from the same country, embodies the heart of the championship.
As the mind games continue to unfold, the ultimate winner of the President’s Cup will be crowned with not only the esteemed Gbenga Ojofeitimi trophy but also a grand prize of $5,000.
Second and third-place contenders will earn recognition through the SM Quartey and Ojior Osikhena trophies, along with cash rewards of $2,500 and $1,700, respectively.
The Lagos scrabble spectacle promises an exhilarating display of linguistic prowess, strategic brilliance, and youthful enthusiasm, underscoring the unifying power of sportsmanship and intellect on a global stage.
