The 5th edition of the Eyoto Sports Academy Athletics Tournament, organized in collaboration with the Edo State Government, is set to begin on Thursday.
The annual competition aims to identify and nurture young athletic talents under the age of 15 from schools in Edo South Senatorial District.
Participants will compete for cash prizes, with ₦200,000 and a trophy for the first-place winner, ₦100,000 for the second-place winner, and ₦50,000 for the third-place athlete.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the tournament, the President of Eyoto Sports Academy, Dr. Felix Idahosa, highlighted the Academy’s dual commitment to sports and academics.
“Our goal is to provide an avenue for students to excel in both sports and education. In places like the U.S., if you’re not excelling academically, you can’t continue in sports. We encourage our students to perform well in both areas,” he stated.
Dr. Festus Idahosa Erese, Vice President of the Academy, underscored the importance of dedication and inclusivity. “We support athletes who are committed to themselves and their education. We don’t care about your state of origin; we just want the best,” he said.
Treasurer of the Academy, Mr. Friday Enoye, urged past scholarship recipients to make the most of the opportunities provided by the Academy to inspire others.
He also reaffirmed Eyoto Sports Academy’s commitment to supporting athletes in local and international competitions.
Athletics Head Coach Mutiu Oluwa emphasized the importance of adhering to the Under-15 qualification rule, as it is essential for athletes to progress to the next competitive level.
The tournament is set to host 700 students, with 20 participants from each school across Edo South Senatorial District. The competition will begin with the 100-meter track event on Thursday morning, followed by other athletics activities.
Only students aged 14 or younger are eligible to participate, ensuring the tournament remains focused on nurturing young talents. Ultimately, the top 10 athletes will be selected for further development and support.
Dr. Idahosa also celebrated the Academy’s track record, acknowledging the presence of 10 past scholarship recipients as a testament to the success of its programs.
“We are here to support dedicated young athletes, providing them with training and opportunities to advance their careers,” he said.
While this year’s competition focuses on schools from the five Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District, the organizers assured that future editions will expand to include schools from Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts.
The Eyoto Sports Academy Athletics Tournament continues to provide a platform for young talents to excel in sports and academics, reinforcing its vision of inclusivity and excellence.