….Beckons on talented Imo youths to key into program opportunities
The Imo state commissioner for social development, youths and sports Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo has outlined the road map to sports development in Imo state just after one month in Office. The Statesman Newspaper reports.
Hon Okonronkwo made this revelation to the Statesman correspondence while addressing members of the Sports Writers association of Nigeria Imo chapter in his office at the state secretariat New Owerri last weekend.
Okoronkwo shared his little experiences after one month in office and identified loop holes which has hindered sports development in Imo state and went further to reassure Sports journalists of the commitments of the 3R mantra administration ably led by Senator Hope Uzodimma to refocus the states sports sector on a part to development and glory old days when Imo state was still the hub of sports.
Okoronkwo emphasized on laid down plans of grassroot talent hunt, sports infrastructural developments, Athletes welfare and internal income generation for sports in the state.
Okoronkwo pointed out that plans has been put in place to collaborate with local governments, ministry of Education and the rural communities to organize mini tournaments to fish out young and raw sporting talents through secondary school competitions and talent hunt for further developments and training.
He has also taking notes of the dilapidated sporting equipments and facilities which has limited the performance of Imo athletes from getting to their peak.
To crown it all, he said plans is still on going to bring in sponsors to take charge of this events so sports can generate funds for it’s own smooth running.
Okoronkwo also added that plans are been made to take care of athletes welfare subsequently and said that all Athletes who has the potential to win laurels for the state to come back home instead of languishing their talents because the 3R mantra administration led by Senator Hope Uzodinmma is here and ready to take Imo sports to the next level.
He further endeared Imo SWAN not to relent in their partnership with the sports ministry as they are critical stakeholders in the ministry of youths and sports.
Finally Okonronkwo assured Imolites that Heartland Queens won’t go on relegation this season despite their poor run of form. He said plans has been made to look into their welfare and take care of their needs and unpaid salaries so they can return to winning ways meanwhile everything about their welfare or basic needs has been taken care of except the salaries which will certainly come very soon as it takes alot of process.
In response to the Commissioner, the Chairman Imo SWAN Rtr Everest Ezihe on behalf of the Imo SWAN reassured the commissioner of SWAN’s unwavering support and partnership in this bid to refocus sports in the state.
Ezihe also reminded the commissioner of the upcoming National youth games in Asaba slated for February 8-18. He tasked the ministry to see to the adequate preparations of Imo contigents ahead of the event.