Abia Govt Redeems Cash Reward To Para-Badminton Athletes, Coaches

In fulfilment of its promise, the Abia State government (ABSG) has redeemed its cash award promise to athletes who made the State proud in Para Badminton Championship in Uganda and the National Under-15 Youth Games in Delta State.

Governor Alex Otti had, while hosting the athletes in October this year, promised N33 million to all the athletes, N22 million to the coaches, and N20 million to the two athletes who won gold and silver medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics for Nigeria.

Also the Governor had promised to transform the Umuahia township stadium, acquire a coaster bus for the Abia State Sports Council and procure an official car for the State Director of Sports.

Presenting the money to the benefiting athletes in presence of their parents on Thursday at Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, said that the money is being paid into the personal bank accounts of the athletes, noting that those without bank accounts would receive their money through their parents’ bank accounts.

The Director of Sports disclosed that the 15 athletes who were given automatic employment in the State’s Sports Council by Governor Otti have been processed for eventual employment.

He said Governor Alex Otti gave them automatic employment to retain them in Abia and to prevent them from dumping Abia for other states or countries.

Comrade Obioma George said the cash rewards and employment would encourage them to do more for the state.

He, however, warned parents who will receive money on behalf of their children against squandering the cash but to use it for the academics and professional development of the young athletes.

He stressed the need for parents to keep supporting their children and wards in their sports ambitions.

Comrade Obioma George, who expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support, acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwabilor Ananaba, whose continued efforts have boosted the activities of the Sports Council.

He outlined the achievements of the athletes as remarkable, with Abia State securing 7 gold, 12 silver, and 12 bronze medals at the National Youth Games, alongside two silver medals at the Para Badminton Championship.

In their various speeches, the Director Technical of the Abia Sports Council, Mrs. Mary Nwachukwu Chima, and the Head of Organizing Department, Mrs. Victoria Umunna, attributed the athletes’ improved performance to the Governor’s support.

They highlighted the provision of over 24 sporting equipment and the organization of secondary school games earlier in the year as key motivators.

They noted that these initiatives have raised athletes’ performance standards, emphasizing that they had “never had it this good before.”

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, a medalist, Onyekachi Goodness, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s intervention, noting that it has made sports exciting again.

She promised to continue training hard to make Abia State and Nigeria proud in future competitions.

Responding on behalf of the parents, Mr. Chukwudi Cletus Obi, Mrs. Joy Adanma, and Mrs. Happiness Onyekachi expressed their appreciation for the Governor’s gestures, which they described as unprecedented.

They pledged to continue supporting their children’s sports ambitions while praising the administration’s efforts in promoting youth development.