By ETTAH EMMANUEL O.
Support Grassroots Sports: Hon. Atsu’s Plea for individuals and Corporate Sponsorship
At the recently concluded 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Cross River athletes made a significant impact, returning home with an impressive tally of 4 gold, 10 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Honorable Commissioner for Sports Development, expressed her pride in the athletes who showcased their dedication and skill, effectively flying the Cross River flag high. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu and his wife, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, for their unwavering support, which played a crucial role in enabling these young talents to participate in the prestigious event.
In her remarks, Commissioner Atsu also highlighted the vital contributions of Sen. Owan Enoh towards grassroots sports improvement in Nigeria, acknowledging the need for sustained efforts in this area. Additionally, she expressed appreciation for the Delta State government, commending their hospitality and the successful hosting of the games. However, she voiced her concerns regarding some discrepancies, specifically mentioning medals that were not counted for team Cross River, urging a review of the processes involved.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Atsu made a passionate appeal to individuals and corporate organizations to step up their support for grassroots sports. She emphasized the importance of investing in young athletes, suggesting that sponsorships, scholarships, and other incentives could significantly enhance their development and encourage future success. By rallying community support, Cross River can cultivate a new generation of sports champions, further enriching the fabric of Nigerian athletics.
The Commissioner expressed heartfelt gratitude to the senator Representing the good people of the central senatorial district of Cross River State. Sen. Eteng Jones Williams for his generous sponsorship of Senator Prince Otu’s Football Tournament, which encompasses all three senatorial districts of Cross River State. She emphasized how his commitment not only supports young sporting talents but also sets a powerful example that will motivate other leaders and corporate bodies to sponsor similar initiatives. She prayed for God to continue blessing him for his dedication to the youth in the state.
