No fewer than 2,056 Secondary School Students would be taking part in this year’s MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Track and Field Athletics Championship, billed to commence in Benin on Thursday.
Addressing journalists during the a press conference on Wednesday, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (MOC), Adebambo Akani, said the competition is aimed at discovering young athletes and developing grassroots sports in Nigeria.
He said that the MTN CHAMPS was earlier held in Benin were promising young athletes were discovered.
Akani added that some of the talented athletes discovered from the competitions so far, are currently enjoying full scholarship in the United States
He said that he has the confidence that those talented athletes that have been discovered will do the country proud both locally and internationally when it comes to athletics.
Speaking also, the Senior Manager Sponsorship and Go To Market, MTN, Mr. Osaze Ebveku, said MTN is the only organization that has the ability to spot rough diamond and refines them to become world champions.
He said that they are happy to be in Benin again to hunt for more talents which they are going to show to the world.
On his part, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, described the MTN CHAMPS as a remarkable initiative, adding that it would no doubt help in the discovering and nurturing of young athletics talents in Nigeria.
“The MTN CHAMPS initiative is a significant platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and unlock their full potential.
“By creating opportunities for secondary school students to compete at the highest level, this championship will not only promotes sports excellence but also instills discipline, teamwork, and resilience among our youth.
“I also want to specially commend MTN for their outstanding commitment to sports development in Nigeria. Their private-sector investment in athletics demonstrates a clear understanding of the critical role that sports play in youth empowerment and economic growth”, Okpebholo said
The governor who was report at the event by the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enebulele, said the state government is committed to fostering an environment that encourages talent discovery and nurtures future champions.
