A grassroots’ athletics competition initiated the sponsors Exxon-Mobil in the South-South part of Nigeria is becoming the cradle for development of young athletes.
Over 576 students scaled through the zonal huddles to qualify for the finals of the 2009 Exxon Mobil Athletics competition billed to hold in Akwa Ibom State next month, which for years now has produced future athletics greats.
The State where the oil rich company has decided to be staging the meet was divided into eight zones for the elimination stage. The athletes are usually drawn from high Schools within the state. The zones are Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, Oron, Ikot Abasi, Abak, Ibiono Ibom and Etinan
Competition consultant, Paul Bassey told africansportsdigest.com that three athletes discovered in previous competition are now in the University on scholarship and have represented the country, Nigeria in various international games including the University championships.
“I’m greatly honoured to be a part of this competition. I do hope to see more strong athletes competing in various fields after graduating from this competition to be at the World stage. It’s really encouraging seeing these young ones become big actors at the international stage it’s a dream come true,” Bassey, an international journalist of repute said.
Tournament media aide, Kerfesifon Essien said that the number of schools taking part in the championships have increased over the years.
“In Ibion Ibom 15 schools participated in this year’s competition, while at Etinan we had 11 schools, 22 schools in Abak and Uyo recorded the highest numbers of schools with 27 participating colleges.”