Six south-south regional states to vie for honors

Unprecedented attendance marked the last edition of the event

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The 2023 edition of Mabel Madojiemu schools athletics championships has been slated for November 2-3 as organizers plan to make the event Zonal and to comprise six South-South regional states.

It was previously a Delta and Edo States affair after two editions hosted in Benin.

Speaking during a chat, the sponsor of the meet and former Nigerian international athlete, Princess Mabel Madojiemu, disclosed that the championship, now in its third edition, needs to spread to other states so that junior athletes can also benefit.

“In 2023, we want to come out in a big way; we want to do a different thing,” Princess Madojiemu began.

“the outcome of the 2022 edition was such a delight, and God willing, other kids from around the Zone should also benefit.

“We must continue to focus on grassroots development… if we don’t catch them young from the schools, then we would have no athlete to fall back on.”

Last month, Princess Madojiemu sponsored some of the talents spotted in the 2022 edition of the national school sports athletics meet, which inspired going national.

Technical director of the championships, coach Mutiu Oluwa confirmed that plans are in the pipeline to make the competition bigger and better.

Oluwa added: “We are aware of the financial constraints. But between now and November, we have time to work on the logistics of hosting the entire country.

“It would be fun, and we are working in advance to improve things for the participating schools.”

The first two championship editions were closed to schools within and around Benin city.

Over 500 junior AthIetes participated in the second edition of the Benin, Edo State competition. More are expected to participate when the event goes Zonal later in the year.