… inaugurates sports associations
By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State government has declared it’s readiness to host next week’s AFCON qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Squirrels of Benin slated for the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
It has also inaugurated 30 sports associations in a.move to improve the fortunes of the state in next year’s sports festival in Benin.
Sports commissioner Mr Monday Ukoh told journalists in Uyo yesterday that the state already have structures and organisational capacity in place for such high profile games.
Ukoh added that the Eagles are expected in Uyo from Sunday while arrangements have been concluded to ensure a hitch free encounter.
The commissioner explained that the membership of the associations was poitical but based on their passion and interest for the different sports they were appointed into.
“Let me also restate that the duty of the associations are advisory and for supervision. They are not to usurp the functions of the coaches and sports secretaries.” He said.
30 of the sports associations would be among the 32 sports that would be competed for in next year’s National Sports Festival in Benin City
Some of the associations inaugurated iinclude Rugby, Kick Boxing, Kung Fu, Karate, Baseball, Gymnastics, Aqautic Sports, Parasoccer, Scrabble and Golf.
In a response, chairman of the Scrabble Association and commissioner for Science and Technology Dr Iniobong Essien called for improved attention and funding to other sports.
Essien regretted that low attention given to non football sports have continued to rob the state of medals and discouraged the development of talent in other sports.
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