The president of the West Africa University Games, Professor Kingsley Akpabio on Saturday opened the 14th edition at the University of Port Harcourt reiterating that it is a galvanizing body to bring together youths in universities across West Africa.
“It creates stars and the World over, stars are gotten from the universities,” Akpabio said.
He cited the example of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama who started at the University of Uyo before joining Enyimba and the Super Eagles.
“That is an example of what sports can do and I bet you, I cannot share a table with Vincent today because of what he has achieved in sports.”
It was a very colourful opening ceremony despite the rains that ensured it started about an hour late.
The school’s Public Relations Officer, Williams Wodi as well as Sportscaster, Sammy Wejinya hosted the event as comperes, informing the spectators on some facts and figures concerning the West African University Games, the facilities available at the University of Port Harcourt, plus giving suggestions on how to have fun outside the sporting arena.
There was a match past by the visiting contingents as well as the host University and then callisthenic displays.
Vice chancellor of the host University, Professor Ndowa Lale used his opening remarks to welcome all to the games.
“We are thrilled to welcome athletes, coaches, technical officials and spectators to the fourteenth edition of the West African University Games,
“Our joy knows no bounds as we welcome over five thousand athletes from sixteen West African countries, five hundred technical officials and over one million spectators expected over the next two weeks,” Lale said
In the opening match between the University of Uyo and the Kumasi University of Science and Technology ended 1-1.
Earlier, the Rivers State governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye commended the University of Port Harcourt for putting up as great hosts of the event.
“It is not easy to host the whole of West Africa. We must commend the efficiency of the University of Port Harcourt sports system. Professor Ken (Anugweje) has done very well for the university.
Even as a state, sometimes when we lack sports men and women we run to him and he obliges us. So we say, they have done very well. I welcome everyone to the Garden City.”
“It creates stars and the World over, stars are gotten from the universities,” Akpabio said.
He cited the example of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama who started at the University of Uyo before joining Enyimba and the Super Eagles.
“That is an example of what sports can do and I bet you, I cannot share a table with Vincent today because of what he has achieved in sports.”
It was a very colourful opening ceremony despite the rains that ensured it started about an hour late.
The school’s Public Relations Officer, Williams Wodi as well as Sportscaster, Sammy Wejinya hosted the event as comperes, informing the spectators on some facts and figures concerning the West African University Games, the facilities available at the University of Port Harcourt, plus giving suggestions on how to have fun outside the sporting arena.
There was a match past by the visiting contingents as well as the host University and then callisthenic displays.
Vice chancellor of the host University, Professor Ndowa Lale used his opening remarks to welcome all to the games.
“We are thrilled to welcome athletes, coaches, technical officials and spectators to the fourteenth edition of the West African University Games,
“Our joy knows no bounds as we welcome over five thousand athletes from sixteen West African countries, five hundred technical officials and over one million spectators expected over the next two weeks,” Lale said
In the opening match between the University of Uyo and the Kumasi University of Science and Technology ended 1-1.
Earlier, the Rivers State governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye commended the University of Port Harcourt for putting up as great hosts of the event.
“It is not easy to host the whole of West Africa. We must commend the efficiency of the University of Port Harcourt sports system. Professor Ken (Anugweje) has done very well for the university.
Even as a state, sometimes when we lack sports men and women we run to him and he obliges us. So we say, they have done very well. I welcome everyone to the Garden City.”
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