Organizers of the annual Southeast grassroot athletics championship, CLIMM track and field foundation has described the potentials from the zone as champions who would take the world by storm, hinting that some of the exciting talents would be joining their Athletics Club.
They further disclosed that as part of the condition to continuing being part of the Club, athletes must be excelling in their academic works, just as they encourage and support any athlete in visa application and in any vocation or skill of their choice.
Speaking during the gala and award night ceremony held recently in Umuahia, the state capital, a member of the foundation and a former international, Emeka Osaji, who expressed delight over the organization and participation, reassured that subsequent editions will be more exciting, bigger and better.
Also Speaking, one of the pioneers of the foundation, who currently serves with the British Army, Lee Okorafo, stated that as the championship continues to witness massive participation and turnout in the last three editions, stating that the choice of Umuahia as host, was borne out of the progressive engagement between the foundation and the current administration.
On the issue of moral and financial backings, Sydney Olympics gold medalist and former Chairman, Amateur Athletics Association, Enugu State Chapter, Clement Chukwu, thanked all their partners and sponsors for their immense financial backings towards the the success of the championship, while soliciting for more financial support.
Abia State born, Innocent Iheme, who was a former 100 meters and long jump champion, explained that the foundation which was established in 2021, was inspired by the need to revive the dwindling fortunes of athletics especially in the region, thereby giving the young prospects to the opportunity to synergize and compete with their counterparts from other states.
On his part, German based Michael Ukaha, lamented over the high level negligence, ineptitude and deplorable conditions of some of the equipment and facilities as well as corrupt practices and gross financial misconduct exhibited by the administrators, stressing the significance of changing the sport’s narratives.
Similarly, former international and National Coach, Armeila Edet Effiong,admonished the coaches and games teachers on how to get the best out of their athletes, noting that such kind of championship will continue to prepare the athletes for the bigger opportunity.
Former police officer and a member of the foundation, Mba Uduma,who highlighted the relevance in of school sports as a veritable platform to unearth talents, is optimistic that the region will continue to produce the next generation of super stars.
Another ex international, Kennedy Ajah Chukwu, who currently resides in the US, also voiced his displeasure concerning the downward trend sports is experiencing at the region, urging the people in the helm of affairs and the relevant stakeholders to rally around it.
Meanwhile, Team Abia emerged overall winner in this year’s edition with a total of 30 medals, made up of 13 gold, 10 silver and 7 bronze, while Anambra State who placed second on the medals standing, secured 23 medals consisting of 7 gold, 9 silver and 7 bronze.
Imo, Enugu States and CLIMM club are placed third, fourth and fifth respectively with 11 medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 7 bronze), 6 medals (2 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze) and 5 medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze).
