Over 2,300 athletes storm Calabar for MTN Champs Season 2

At least 2,300 athletes are expected to compete in the MTN Schools Championships, also known as the MTN CHAMPS Finals, which begin on Tuesday, April 30 at U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The MTN CHAMPS is an initiative aimed at instilling a spirit of competition among young athletes in four different age groups: cadets (under 14 years old), youth (under 17 years old), junior (under 20 years old) and newly introduced senior category (no age limit).

At a press conference held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar on Monday to mark the four-day competition, MTN Chief Marketing Officer, Adia Sowho noted that the finale was more than just a celebration of sportsmanship but also a testament to a shared commitment to investing in Nigeria’s future and sports.

According to Sowho, “Season two has already surpassed season one in many ways. Over 8,000 people registered for the tournament, with 2,300 registering for the Calabar event alone.

“It’s exciting to imagine a future where Nigeria athletes are consistently at the podium at major international events inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams, this program is saving the way for the future and nurturing that talent and providing the support they need to reach their full potential.

“This grand finale is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our athletes, our coaches and the organizers.”

In his remarks, the founder of Making of Champions (MOC), Bambo Akani, described the event as a nation-building and life-changing exercise for the youth, saying that one of the objectives of the event is to uphold Nigeria’s core values ​​and brighten the future of the nation at the Olympics.

“The team of 70 MVP athletes and 2,300 other athletes who will be in Calabar this week will all be fighting for a place at the Making of Champions Athletics Academy. MTN is so gracious to sponsor 12 athletes in season one and another 12 from season two at the Academy. We’re already coining that team as ‘Team MTN’ and we are going to enjoy seeing the athletes here progressing to the academy and seeing their lives change.

“We will charge all the young athletes here who will be competing to do their best, continue staying strong, celebrate victories and come back next year again. I think we have unlocked something very special in Nigeria and I have no doubt that there will be many athletes that will represent Nigeria at the 2028 Olympics in the next four years. Let’s enjoy a great show in Calabar.”

In the same vein, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), Pastor Emmanuel Ebong, commended the organizers for providing a platform to promote children’s participation in athletics and called on the organizing committee to strive to improve the quality of sports in the country.

In her address, Cross River Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Agnes Atsu expressed the state’s readiness to host the grand finale of MTN CHAMPS.

“We have one of the best facilities in the country in track and field. We promise you a serene environment and a hitch-free event. This administration is open to more collaboration and partnership,” she said.