Edo State Sports gets its athletes’ future started on another level on Thursday as the “Discovering Future Stars” Initiative kicks off at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Over 270 athletes competed in the maiden edition of the talent discovery program which was declared open by the Chairman of the Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele.
The talent hunt initiative which is to get every hidden talent rooted out from their confinement saw schools and students across the three senatorial districts of the state converge on the iconic Ogbemudia stadium to show coaches their God-given talents and hope they can be refined to compete for the state in the near future.
From the main gate to the last exit point of Ogbemudia stadium were buzzes, not of music, but of emerging talents who competed in the indoor Sports Halls — Karate, Kungfu, Kick Boxing, Taekwondo, Boxing, Wrestling, and Judo and raw legs who warmed up their feet on their tartan track id the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium main bowl, not minding the scorching sun hot enough to roast done a newly harvest yam, paced down the runway of the long jump, stamping their bare feet on the take of board and landing in the sand pit, as well as pacing down the 100 and 200 metres, laced with 4X100 meters for both boys and girls.
Sack race, filling the basket, and water race were part of the additional event observed to throw the excited kids into wild jubilation at every jump, sprint and filling.
To expose the kids to what to expect if discipline, composure, obedience, and hard work are taken as their watchwords, medals were presented to them, allowing them to climb the podium and dream big seeing themselves stand one day as Olympians, World record holders and national heroes. Certificate if participation was also presented to over 270 kids, to frame and place at the very most adored corner of their houses where they can watch and get motivated daily.
Declaring the occasion open, chairman of the sports commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enabulele, flanked by the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs Amenze and the Director of Sports Development and Operation, Mrs Sabina Chikere, spoke loudly in an audible voice that this event is something that is initiated to birth the future Usain Bolt, Falilat Ogunkoya, Deji Aliu, Yussuf Alli, Mary Onyali, Tobi Amusan, Uchenna Emedolu, Sunday Bada and other iconic athletes of the country and global icons, from the heartbeat of the most populous black nation on earth — Edo.
“Today is not just about sports. It is about hope, preparation and development of our minds for greater opportunities ahead of future challenges and a better tomorrow of sports in Edo State.”
“As Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, I strongly believe that the future of sports development begins at the grassroots. That is why, from the very first day we assumed office, we embraced the vision and directive of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, to “Catch Them Young” and create opportunities for our children to grow through sports in line with his SHINE Agenda development programme.”
“This programme was carefully designed to take our grassroots sports development crusade closer to the people at all levels to identify hidden talents within our schools and communities and to provide the platform for them to shine.”
“We are proud to have 20 schools participating in this historic event, with over 270 young athletes competing in Athletics, Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Boxing, and Kickboxing.”
“To all the young athletes here today, I want you to understand something very important: this competition is bigger than winning medals. This is your opportunity to believe in yourselves, showcase your abilities, and begin your journey to greatness.”
“Some of the world’s greatest athletes started from platforms just like this. The next national champions, African champions, Olympians, or world champions could be standing among you here today. It takes the combined efforts of all the stakeholders – the sports administrators; coaches, education institutions, parents and good neighbours to discover talents, encourage same and nurture them to stardom.”
“For us as sports administrators, we have designed our development programme and we have started implementing it. We are doing it for our children and not for politics. We hope that you all appreciate it and take advantage of the opportunity created by the Edo State Government.”
The chairman while praising the state government for its effort and vision for sports in the state, commended the coaches for their tireless efforts in shaping the athletes and the board members of the commission for their great service to humanity.
“I want to commend the Edo State Government for its continuous support and commitment to grassroots sports development. With initiatives like this, we are building a stronger future for sports in Edo State and Nigeria.”
“I also want to sincerely appreciate the coaches, teachers, parents, technical officials, and organisers who have worked tirelessly to make this programme a reality. Your dedication to youth development and sports excellence is well acknowledged and deeply appreciated.”
“Let me also commend our board members particularly the Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations Mrs Sabina Chikere, the Permanent Secretary and others in the planning committee who have worked so hard to put things together for the success of the programme”
“Let this programme mark the beginning of new dreams, new champions, and new opportunities for our children.”