By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Director of Sports in the Ebonyi State Sports Council, Emmanuel Utobo has urged athletes to look within the State for greener pastures instead of outside the state.
Speaking in Abakaliki during the celebration of the 2023 Olympic Day-Run in the state, Utobo said that with the coming of Chief Francis Nwifuru as governor, better days were ahead for sports.
“The level of support given to the Council by the governor towards this year’s Olympic-day run was unprecedented.
“The governor has a rich record of active involvement in sports and we are already feeling the impact.
“The best way to appreciate him is to work harder and win laurels for the state, commencing from the forthcoming national youth games,”.
Utobo who read the message of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach, noted that the occasion would unite sports stakeholders in the state.
The Deputy Director of Sports in the Council, Hillary Ogbonna, hailed the active participation of stakeholders during the event.
“This is in line with the mass participation spirit of the event involving the participants and observers.
“We have the raw talents in Ebonyi and direly need sponsorship to ensure they blossom,”.
The Chief Badminton Coach in the Council, Ethel Okoroafor, noted that despite challenges, the sport was thriving in the state.
“We would not be deterred but give our utmost to churn medal prospects for the state,” she said.
Students from various secondary schools and members of sporting clubs thrilled at the event.
Fans were thrilled with scintillating performances in football, boxing, badminton among other events.
