THE much awaited Gombe Inter-Primary Schools AthIetics Championship got off to resounding start inside the Main Bowl of Pantami Stadium with over 37 schools in attendance.
It started with the Girls’ 100m heats which stretched to seven, the Boys’ 100m heats was delayed to make way for the opening ceremony.
Speaking, the chairman of Gombe State Athletics Association, Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, said he decided to bankrolled the championship as of his contribution to uncover the hidden talented athletes at grassroots level.
Gara Gombe added that the association will welcome the State Government, wealthy individuals and corporate organisations support aimed at developing athletics at the grassroots.
The chairman explained that plans are underway to extend the reach of the games to Secondary Schools and tertiary institutions with a view to discovering talented athletes for future state, national and international engagements.
While commending the state ministry of youth and sports as well as local education authority, Gombe local governments for their moral support, he then assured of his continued effort to do his best towards the overall development of sports in the state.
The organizer of the Competition led by Gara Gombe however, expressed gratitude to parents for releasing their wards to participate in the 4-Day AthIetics Competitions.
He assured all parents of his willingness to be part of the Competition until Gombe State produces a world 100mh champion Tobi Amusan (12:12secs) and others.
The opening ceremony took a very interesting dimensions as pupils numbering about 1,017 were involved in march pass while the Permanent Secretary of Gombe State Ministry of Sports, Mohammed Kolo Bajoga took the salute.
Pupils were excited as their joyful parents joined in dancing to music from local musicians and the Pantami Stadium filled to the brim.
Dignitaries at the events are Sports Commission director, Zainab Adamu; Local Education Scribe. Abubakar Baba Abdullahi etc.
The Competition starts in ernest with full participation in the following events. 50m Egg and sack race Boys. 200m boys and girls semi-finals, 50m bottle race for girls, and 400m bicycle race, Boys.
