SWAN, Cricket Association applaud Nwifuru for revamping moribund sports in Ebonyi 

.…organizes Cricket competition for secondary schools

By, Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

Ebonyi State sports writer Association, SWAN, in collaboration with the state cricket association on Wednesday commended governor Francis Nwifuru for revamping sports activities that is moribund in the state.

The Nations News reports that the Association organized a zonal Cricket  Competition for Secondary Schools in the state.

The competition, according to reports, will kick off on Friday 10th April, by 10:00 0’clock at the Pa Ngele Oruta Town Ship Stadium,Abakaliki.

The Chairman of the local organizing committee for the cricket competition, Comrade Chukwuemeka opara in a Press briefing in Abakaliki, said the competition will help to hunt for talented sports lovers, who will be trained and in turn, represent the state in the national competitions.

According to him: “Before the coming of governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration, sports was at its lowest ebb. There wasn’t a time like this,the Federation Cup they are playing now.

“Remember, the time when no Ebonyi teamwould play the Federation Cup?It is teams from Imo that got eliminated in their states that will come here and claim that they are Ebonyians, and they will represent Ebonyi.

“So, when Nwifuru took over power, he found it pertinent to revive sports, and the results were immediate.

“Last year, a club that was formed in Ebonyi, since Ebonyi Angels were disbanded in 2007.Abakaliki FCreached the final of this same Federation Cup.”And if not for a stroke of luck,they could have done wonders by winning it,not only in their first year,and they will become the first amateur teamto win the Federation Cup” he stated.

The chairman, Opara further buttressed the needs for developing cricket sports activities in Ebonyi, “Ebonyi has cooperative advantage over other states in cricket.And cricket is what we call sports-gratuitous events.That is, events that are not elitist.

“We want to catch them young insecondary schools. Becauseas the champions are leaving secondary school, we need to fill the gap they created.”And how do you fill the gap?You have to discover more talents. You have to discover hidden talents.It seems like a big event that is not achievable,but I assure you, we’ll achieve it”, he stressed.

In a swift reaction, the state chairman of SWAN, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwaogha said: “”We appreciate the support of the Governor, Francis Nwifuru,who knows the importance of Youths and sports development. 

“We appreciate the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Richard Idike,who has been there, who has always supported every programme that has to do with Youths development and sports. 

“They have always been there to make sure that sports in the state are fully revamped,,” he said.