BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has assured the Veterans Wrestlers Association of Nigeria that his administration would partner with them with a view to developing the sports in the state.
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Mbah who spoke through his State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu at the opening of a 3-day U-15/U-17 Wrestling championship held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Thursday, stated that the government would continue to invest in sports development.
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He noted that sports is a veritable tool for unity and a platform for youth development and social cohesion, commending Dr Moris Atula the President of the Veterans Wrestlers Association and sponsor of the championship for bringing it to Enugu.
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“Wrestling has its origin from traditional cultures and we are happy to associate with the efforts of developing and sustaining it”, he added.
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Earlier in his welcome address, the Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Commission, Southeast Zone 1, Enugu, Ezema Bernade Ede, told the governor, “Dr Morris Atula President Nigeria Veterans Wrestlers Association worldwide being one of the renowned Commonwealth Games Champions that had made Nigeria proud in the early 80s, and an ardent sponsor and supporter of your sporting policy is very enthusiastic to keep the candle glowing, hence the initiative to expand wrestling activities to this zone and other geographical zones in Nigeria.
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“His Excellency, my major objective as the Zonal Coordinator of this zone rests squarely on innovations of new scientific sports ideas, attraction of sponsors to uplift the sporting facilities in this zone, monitoring the mass participation of States Athletes and coaches, hunting of new talents to replace the aging ones and lots of more operational frame works.
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In an interview with journalists, President of the Veterans Wrestlers Association, Dr Atula, said he was highly impressed with the outcome of the championship, giving kudos to Governor Mbah for his huge interest in sports development in the state.
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Atula who said he began wrestling activity at 14, decried the moribund nature of the sports in the country in recent time, urging government at all levels to help in reviving it.
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“Wrestling which has its origin from our traditional cultures is being neglected. Except in South-South geopolitical zone, wrestling is not gaining popularity any longer due to lack of awareness. It has kick started from Southeast Zone in honour of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah for his love for grassroot sports development”, he stated.
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It was observed that the championship had the budding wrestlers drawn from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. They smiled home with certificates of participation as winners also received cash prizes.
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The junior male and female freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling championship was categorised into:
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