All is now set for the fifth edition of the CLIMM South East Under-16 track and field championship tagged “restoring grassroot track and field”, scheduled to hold at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State, from 16th to 18th October, 2025.
The competition which will attract young male and female athletes from the five South-east States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, selected secondary schools as well as invited participants that would compete in 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 meters, just as long jump, high jump and triple jump would also be competed for.
The championship, which is put together by a nonprofit organization, the CLIMM Track & Field Foundation, is aimed at young talent discovery through comprehensive training, mentorship and community support programs.
In a recent chat, the organizers expressed uttermost displeasure over the high level negligence, deplorable conditions and incompetent administrators in the sport particularly in the region, while expressing optimism about the prospects from the foundation.
According to Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist and former Chairman of the Enugu State Amateur Athletics Association, ESAA, Clement Chukwu, lamented over the dwindling fortunes of the athletics, citing corruption and maladministration on the part of the sports administrators.
Also Speaking, serving military personnel with the British Army and an indigene of Abia State, Lee Okoroafor, reaffirmed that it not just about talent discovery, competitions and scholarships but the foundation also to empower and support the young athletes in any skill of their choice, so as to be impactful to themselves and the society.
Reacting to the issue of underfunding, poor facilities and lack of motivation, former 100 meters and long jump champion, Innocent Iheme, hinted that in developed climes, government, corporate entities are intentional about the development of sports, thereby funding and investing heavily in the sector.
On his part, German based Michael Ukaha who began his athletics career in secondary school, noted that trend is worrisome and alarming, calling on the present administration to prioritize athlete’s welfare over personal gains, build modern sporting infrastructures as well detailed budgets management.
Similarly, former long-distance runner, who served in the Nigeria Police Force, Mba Uduma, acknowledged that the region has produced world class athletes that have done the country proud both at local and international competition in the past, but the trend has changed drastically as the country’s top athletes are switching allegiance.
New members of the Foundation, former internationals, Kennedy Ajah and Emeka Osaji, who participated in 100 and 110 meters hurdles admitted that physical, mental and emotional health are critical for sustained performance, even as comprehensive support systems, including medical and psychological care, are essential.
They, therefore, thanked corporate organizations and public spirited individuals for their unwavering commitment and support to the grassroots sports development project, even as they solicits for more support.
Meanwhile, the CLIMM Foundation, a union of seven former athletes of Southeast, has assured that the top three winners in every event would go home with cash prizes and medals as well as other incentives.
