Cross River State sports authorities may be heading towards a major breakthrough in talents discovery as its trials for the second Niger Delta Games (NDG) berthed in the central senatorial district.
Organised by the Liaison Committee members of the NDG in conjunction with the state Sports Commission, led by Mr. Eta Lawrence Itanya, the trials will produce athletes for the state finals where the state contingent to NDG will emerge.
Itanya said: ‘The trials for the Games have continued to ignite hope and inspiration among young sporting talents in both the urban and rural communities in Cross River State.
‘The competition’s talent discovery drive has recorded remarkable success, particularly within the Central Senatorial District’.
He said that the initiative has brought together promising young athletes from diverse local governments and villages — many of whom are experiencing organised sports exposure for the very first time.
‘The ongoing talent hunt has not only uncovered raw and exceptional abilities but has also created unforgettable moments of joy and motivation for future champions.
‘For several participants, the exercise marks their first opportunity to leave their immediate communities, interact with peers from other areas, and dream beyond their local environment’, Itanya told NDG Media.
Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo was impressed by the report and said that it captured a cardinal essence of organising the Games.
‘This is primarily one of the reasons for the Games, providing opportunities for those in the hinterland to compete and put their talents to use in sports.
‘We want to provide a platform for every youth in the Niger Delta region to find expression for their raw skills and perhaps become a national and international champion’, he said.
The initiative has drawn widespread commendation from athletes, community leaders, and sports stakeholders, who praised the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Cross River State Government for their commitment to youth empowerment through sports.
They also described the programme as a timely and innovative platform capable of reshaping the future of sports in the region.
Members of the state liaison committee include Queen Gladys Igut (Secretary), Mrs. Rosemary Usang (Cross Rivers State Director of Sports), Ettah Emmanuel (Head of Media and Publicity) and David Enwa.
