For development in Edo State

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Nigeria’s athletes under the umbrella of Eyoto (Foundation) has unveiled its plans for athletics development in Edo State.

Making this known in telephone chat with TheNiche is the President Eyoto Executive Council President Mr. Felix Idahosa.

Mr. Idahosa said, Eyoto is a group of ex-athletes who came together to give back to the society through yearly sponsorship of U-15 Athletics Championships in Edo State.

According him, Young and upcoming athletes have been enjoying Eyoto’s scholarships both home and abroad, Competition, sponsorships which would in its 4th edition by December 7th -8th, 2003.

“We have many things to give back to society through our sponsorships. These Young ones need us to provide a ladder for them to climb to stardom, that’s why Eyoto made up of kind hearted individuals namely, Eyoto Sports Academy Executive Council
Felix Idahosa, President, Festus Idahosa Erese, Vice president, Friday Enoye, Treasurer, and Sonny Okundolor, Secretary came together and decided to do this.

“We left school and retired from athletics several years ago, therefore this year’s championships would witness additional programme/events that would add to things we do”.

Mr. Idahosa also said, Special Sports like Deaf sports has been added to the number of events Eyoto is handling at competition and scholarship levels.

He said previously, the number of events are shared 10 for boys and 10 for girls, but this time around, some adjustments would be made to include Mix relay races.

“Over 40 schools took part in the 3rd edition, the 4th edition will be more as expectation is around 80 schools participating”.

We may in future take interest in football, but for now, grassroots athletics is it for us” Mr Idahosa concluded.
He stressed the need to discover these Young talents from schools at render ages for them to practice sport longer and be able to enjoy the dividend of early sports life..