Victorious Edo State Contingent to the second edition of the annual Eku’s Cadet Boys Judo Competition for 22kg category on Tuesday presented the trophies and medals won at the event to the management of the Sports Commission.
Receiving the contingent at a brief ceremony at the commission’s office, the Chairman, Mr Yussuf Alli, thanked the team and it’s officials for doing the state proud by winning the competition.
Alli who reminded the team of the commission’s mandate of marrying education with sports, however charged them not to loss focus as more competitions have been lined up for them in the days ahead.
He therefore challenged them to see their victory in this game as a stepping stone for more laurels to be won in the nearest future.
On her part, the Commission’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Sabina Chikere, encouraged them not to pursue sport at the detriment of their education, advising that when they marry education with sport by the time they retire from active competition they would have something meaningful to fall back on.
Sabina then charged the coaches and officials to hit the ground running now since Edo State has been given the hosting rights for next year’s event.
Earlier, the Chairperson Edo State Judo Association, Evangelist Loveth Howell, intimated the commission of her plan to take the Association to the next level, adding that plans are underway to organise competition for all categories of the game in order to promote the sport.
Howell who is also the Vice President Nigeria Judo Association, hinted that her Association in collaboration with the commission is already scouting for sponsors that would assist to promote the game both locally and internationally.
Recall that the second edition of the annul Eku’s Judo Competition for Cadet Boys category for 22kg took place in Asaba, Delta State between April 25th through 28th, 2023, with six states drawn from South – South, South -East and South – west in attendance.
