by crossriverwatch admin
Calabar Municipality has successfully defended its title, as they emerged overall winner of the Cross River state 5th primary/secondary school athletics championship for the second time in a row, by winning 32 medals.
The championship which was held at the main bowl of the U.J Esuene stadium, had students from the 18 LGA’s contesting at the primary school, junior and senior secondary school level in 100m, 200m, 400m, relays and high jump in both male and female categories.
Speaking at the event, Governor of the state, Sen. Liyel Imoke told the contestants that “I am proud of you. The fact that you are here representing various local governments means you are champions”
The Governor further added that the competition ” is about fair play and giving everyone a chance to attain greatness. It’s about teaching brotherhood and making new friends”
The Governor concluded by saying he hopes further editions will hold across the state, as the stadiums in Ikom and Ogoja would have been completed by then.
To add color to a successful event, the state commissioner for Youth and Sport’s Development, Hon. Patrick Ugbe announced that Gotv have indicated interest in being title sponsor’s for the next edition.
The event which is being used as a selection for athletes to represent and defend the state’s title at the National School Sports Festival billed for Makurdi in September this year, had Ikom, and Akpabuyo as 3rd, 2nd and 1st respectively in the primary school category, and Calabar South, Yala and Calabar municipality as 3rd, 2nd and 1st respectively, in the junior secondary category.
While in the senior secondary category, Yakuur came 3rd, Abi 2nd and Calabar municipal coming first.
No fewer than 1260 pupils and students from primary and secondary schools from the 18 local government councils of Cross River State participated in the sporting event.
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