Sports Associations Urged to Develop Blueprints for Sports Growth, Promote Grassroot Talents in Abia 

Sports Associations in Abia State have been urged to develop clear roadmaps for the growth of their respective sports, with emphasis on grassroots development, sponsorship and sustainable funding models.

The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Nwaobilor Ananaba threw the challenge in Umuahia during a strategic meeting with all the Chairmen and Secretaries of Sports Associations in Abia State.

The meeting was called at the instance of the State government for stakeholders to review progress in the sector and outlined priorities for the next phase of sports development in the state.

Ananaba said that the State government was committed to building a strong and sustainable sports development system with a renewed focus on grassroots talent discovery, youth empowerment and the creation of future sporting champions.

According to him, sports remains a critical component of the administration’s youth and human capital development agenda, stressing that deliberate investments are being made to identify, nurture and showcase talents from communities across the state.

“We have gathered to discuss the future of sports development in our state, review our progress, address challenges and set priorities for growth,” Ananaba said.

Ananaba noted that the state government has continued to expand opportunities for young people through participation in a wide range of sporting activities, including boxing, athletics, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and wrestling.

“Our objective is simple to discover talent early, nurture it properly and provide pathways for our young people to excel in sports and contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.

He said government support has enabled the sponsorship of sporting events, athlete participation in competitions, grassroots programmes and talent identification initiatives across the state.

According to him: “Sports development is capital-intensive and cannot be left entirely for the government to fund.

“We expect every association to align with our vision by strengthening grassroots structures, increasing participation, attracting sponsorship and creating sustainable pathways for athlete development,” he added.

He assured stakeholders of continued government support and called for collaboration to build a thriving sports ecosystem capable of producing champions and bringing honour to Abia State.

Earlier, the Director of Sports, Mr. Obioma George, said the state’s sports sector has witnessed significant progress under the current administration, noting that many sporting disciplines that were previously inactive have become vibrant and competitive once again.

The Director of Sports urged sports association chairmen and secretaries to intensify efforts in talent identification and ensure that young athletes discovered through grassroots programmes are properly documented and monitored.

According to him, only about 20 sports associations have complied with directives requiring them to submit details of talents identified within their disciplines.

He further called on sports secretaries and coaches to improve their commitment to duty, warning that those who fail to meet expectations may be asked to step aside in the interest of progress.

He further highlighted efforts to professionalise sports administration in the state through capacity-building initiatives.

According to him, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, has commenced a Diploma programme in Sports Administration, and disclosed plans to introduce coaching certification programmes as well.

He urged sports administrators, coaches and other stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities.

George praised the pioneer students enrolled in the Sports Administration programme and expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen the management of sports in the state.

He also reminded associations that accountability remains a key requirement of government support, urging them to promptly submit reports and retirement documents for activities carried out on behalf of the state.

Responding, Mr Abel Sunday, Chairman of Abia Badminton Association, noted  that their major focus is to strengthen the institution by creating a strong administrative and governance structure for badminton and para-badminton in the State.

He informed that the Association intends to make a para-badminton inclusive programme through awareness campaigns, athletes recruitment, and provisions of adequate equipment, and the opportunity for competing, to ensure that no one is excluded because of disability.

He disclosed plans to host an international competition, with the hope of making Abia State the home of badminton in Africa.

On his part, Mr Ifeanyi Okoro, the Abia Basketball disclosed plans to build basketball courts while working to finish an ongoing basketball hostel for their athletes.

Others who spoke reeled out progresses made in their respective sports, and hinted on upcoming events while pledged to promote their sports both locally and internationally.