By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka on December 11, 2023

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has reiterated commitment to sports economy in the state at the grand finale of state traders sports competition.

The delighted governor was full of praises for the participants in the traders sports competition, particularly in the football event played on Saturday at the Awka Township Stadium.

Iron Dealers Market Atani defeated  Nkwo Umunze Market 4-1 in the finals to emerge victorious in the football event.

The competition was organized by the State Sports Development Commission in collaboration with the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders' Association (ASMATA).

Soludo expressed delight in the game, calling it "fantastic" and reminiscing about his own days as a player.

The governor congratulated both teams for their efforts and emphasized the importance of sports in his vision for the state.

Soludo who later presented cash prizes and medals to the winners, runners up, third and fourth positions in the football event, as well as cash rewards to the winners of tennis, table tennis, draught, ncho and draft, said "This sports competition is a good initiative which aligns with my vision for a sports economy in the state.

"Sports give money and a healthy body because health is wealth," he said. 

"I'm very happy our traders find time to exercise both the mind and body," Soludo said.

The governor highlighted the importance of sports for the overall wellness of the state, stating that majority of Anambra people are traders and if they are fit and healthy, it will give rise to a healthy state.

He congratulated all winners in the various sports events, including tennis, table tennis, draught, ncho, and football and commended the 82 markets that participated in the competition.

Soludo encouraged everyone to incorporate exercise into their routines. 

"Those who don't exercise, please begin to do so," he said.

Iron Dealers market received N3m for emerging champions in the football event, Nkwo Market, Umunze, the runners-up got N2m, Ajasa Market, Onitsha which won the third placed match smiled home with N1m and the fourth placed team got N500,000.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Patrick-Estate Onyedum applauded the governor for giving Anambra its first state owned club Solution FC since 1991 the state was created.

He hailed the governor for reviving sports in schools and sports festivals in the state, ensuring that Anambra participates in all national games and festivals.

President-General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, said he was impressed by the performance of his colleagues and urged them to get set for subsequent competition as the state would feature more sporting events in subsequent championship.

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted December 11, 2023

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