Secondary schools in Edo State will once again be vying for honours at the second edition of an annual Athletics competition being sponsored and organised by the Princess Mabel Madojemu Athletics Foundation.
Though the event could not hold on two occasions after its inaugural edition in 2019 owing to the outbreak of the dreaded COVID-19 Pandemic, promises to be its best when it commences on the 29th of September 2022.
The Edo State Athletics Association Head Coach, Mr. Mutiu Oluwa, who will be coordinating the 2-day event billed to be held inside the main bowl of the newly renovated Dr. Samuael Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, told Truthlive.net that sponsor of the championship Princess Mabel Imadojemu has provided all that is required to make the event a success.
He said: “This year`s event will be unique because we will be having schools not just only from Benin city, we are also having schools, from almost all the 9 LGA, even from Edo North, where Our Lady of Fatimah School from Auchi axis has called to register for the event”.
“We are also glad that the Edo State government, through the office of the Sports Commission, has graciously approved the use of the stadium, unlike the inaugural edition which was held at the UNIBEN Sports complex and the state is also providing other logistic support”.
On the prizes to be won by outstanding athletes, Coach Mutiu informed our corresponded during an interview over the weekend that apart from other exciting prizes to be won, a company known as Sydney Sparkling will be providing some cash donations for the most outstanding athlete at the end of the tournament.
Prince Mabel Madojemu who sees this championship as an opportunity to give back to the sports which gave her a lifeline at an early age represented Nigeria as an athlete at different international competitions including the commonwealth games. For her, it is an avenue to also give the younger ones the platform to showcase and develop their interest and talents in athletics.