Not few than ten primary schools within Benin metropolist on Wednesday participated in the first edition of all Primary Schools Judo Championship.
Tagged “Catch Them Young”, the event which featured the children in the 20kg, 26kg, 30kg and 35kg categories, saw the show of strength as the young judokers exhibited their talents to the admiration of all in attendance including the wife of the organizer and chief sponsor of the championship.
In a brief remark, the organizer of the game, Mr. Nosakhare Ogboe, said the essence of the championship was to catch the young raw talented Athletes from the grassroot in order to groom them to become future champions as they grow in the game.
Ogboe further hinted that the Edo State Sports Commission’s desire is using sports to develop tourism in line with the MEGA policy of the Governor Godwin Obaseki agenda in the state.
The multi talented organiser who didn’t mince words in his speech noted that if sporty activities are well developed at the grassroot level, it would further go a long way in removing our youths from the street thereby reducing the temptation in getting involved in criminal activities and other social vices that are inimical to the growth of a healthy society.
He therefore challenged the participating schools drawn from both public and private schools within Benin City to see the contest as another opportunity to redefined their life through sport development.
The event which took place at the highly equipped boxing hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium had schools like Obaseki Primary School, Uwa, Uvie, Ologbosere, Owegie, and lgbesamwan Primary Schools participating.
Others include Floriush lnt’t Group of Schools and Gloryland competing for honour in the one day competition.
Those who officiated the championship were the new Head coach of the commission’s Judo Association, Mr. Lucky Esezobor, immediate past Head coach of the Association who just retired, Mr. Sunday Ogboe, Mr. Otabor and others who took turns to officiate the game as it progresses according to international standard.
High point of the event was the presentation of gifts and medals to winners in the various categories.
