By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Solution Sports Initiative (ANSSI) on Wednesday said that it’s school sports development programme have yielded good result with two of its athletes benefiting full scholarships at sports academies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Lagos State respectively.

Addressing sports writers at his office in Awka, the State Sports Development Commission Chairman, Patrick Onyedum explained that the the school development programme is aimed at nurturing both sports men and women across the 21 local government areas of the state.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr. Patrick Onyedum, on Wednesday while the chairman who unveiled the 2025 Anambra Solution Sports Initiative said that it will kick off on March 19, 2025, to June 27, 2025.

He said that though many questions still surround the purpose of ANSSI, that it is necessary for the development of sports in the state.

Onyedum noted that the Governor has tasked the commission with developing sports from the grassroots level in all schools across the 21 local government areas of the state.

He said: "ANSSI is a sports competition involving primary and secondary schools, including public, federal, private, and missionary institutions, across various age categories (U-12, U-14, U-18).

“Within just two years of ANSSI’s existence, the initiative has produced athletes who have excelled in both national and international competitions, gaining widespread recognition.

“Our ANSSI products are scattered all over the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Here in Nigeria, two of them are currently enjoying full scholarships at a sports academy in Abuja.

“Our performance at the National Youth Games has continued to improve. When ANSSI was introduced, the state’s medal haul was no more than five gold medals. However, as of the most recent NYG in Asaba, we have increased our gold medal count from seven to nine.

“To maintain this momentum, we have donated sports equipment—such as tennis boards and basketball courts – to some schools to encourage participation.”

While urging all participants, including officials and athletes, to adhere strictly to the competition’s rules, Onyedum hailed the Ministry of Education for approving the participation of schools in the programme.

He added: "The third edition of the event which will begin on March 19, 2025, will take place across the 21 local government areas and three senatorial zones. It promises to be an improvement over the previous editions.

“Cash prizes totaling N15 million will be awarded to the winners in various categories.”

Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, emphasized that participation in sports is critical to a child’s development.

According to her, sports help children interact effectively with society and their environment.

She said: “We are here to support the Governor’s vision of raising vibrant citizens who will purposefully contribute to society. If children are not properly nurtured in all aspects, it will create problems for society.”

On his part, the representative of the Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Foundation, Mr. Jide Ogbu, explained that the foundation is aligning with the Initiative because the Governor’s wife is passionate about the health of Ndi Anambra, particularly the youth.

He stated: “We are really excited to be involved in this project. Healthy living is all about good health and good living for the people.”