The much-awaited Gombe Inter-Primary Schools AthIetics Championship got off to a glowing start inside the main bowl of Pantami Stadium with over 37 schools in attendance.
It started with the girl’s 100m heats which stretched to Seven, the boy’s 100m heats was delayed to make way for the opening ceremony.
Speaking, the chairman of the Gombe state athletics association, Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe said that he decided to bankroll the championship as his contribution to discover the hidden talented athletes at the grassroots level.
Gara Gombe revealed that the association will welcome the state government, wealthy individuals and corporate organisations support aimed at developing athletics at the grassroots.
The chairman explained that plans are underway to extend the organisation of the games to secondary Schools and high institutions with a view to recruiting talented athletes for the future of state, national and international engagements.
While commending the state ministry of youth and sports as well as the local education authority, and Gombe local government for their moral support, he assured to continue to do his best towards the overall development of sports in the state.
The opening ceremony took very interesting dimensions as pupils numbering 1,017 were involved in the march pass while the Permanent Secretary of Gombe State Ministry of Sports Mohammed Kolo Bajoga took the salute.
There was enough excitement as pupils and their joyful parents joined in dancing to music from local musicians.
Among other dignitaries that also graced the opening ceremony are Zainab Adamu, Sports Commission director, Abubakar Baba Abdullahi, Local Education Scribe.
The Pantami Stadium was packed full such that the covered stand had no space.
The competition would be more exciting as the games would start in earnest with full participation in the following events.
50m Egg and sack race Boys. 200m boys and girls semi-finals, 50m bottle race for girls, and 400m bicycle race, Boys.
The organiser of the competition led by Gara Gombe however, expressed gratitude to parents for releasing their wards to participate in the 4-day AthIetics competitions.
He assured all parents of his willingness to be part of the competition until Gombe produces a world 100mh champion Tobi Amusan (12:12secs) and others.