SPORT: “Grassroots Sport Is On Firm Ground In Delta” – Says Uduaghan

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right), presenting the Silver cup to the captain of Royal Eagles club Oleh during the finals of Utuama Peace Cup at Otu-Jeremi Stadium, Ughelli South LGA

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has canvassed support for grassroots sports competitions as part of measures to enhance of sports development in the country.

He asserted that grassroots sports have taken root in Delta State with different competitions taking place to encourage the younger ones to be actively involved in sporting activities as well as get them gainfully engaged.

Speaking at the finals of the annual Utuama Peace Cup football competition at Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, Dr Uduaghan said developing sports at the grassroots would ensure the discovery of young talents for different sports.

He affirmed that grassroots sports were important for the sustenance of sports development and growth in the country adding that it was a ready made pool of sports men and women to feed the national team.

According to him, “Grassroots football and sports in general has taken root in Delta State and we believe that grassroots sports are very important essentially for the growth of sports as well as to get the youths gainfully employed and reduce the pool available for criminal activities”.

Gov. Uduaghan (middle); his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (right) and Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi (left) during the finals of Utuama Peace Cup at Otu-Jeremi Stadium, Ughelli South LGA. Pix: Bripin Enarusai

The football final which was between the Royal Eagles football club of Oleh and Warri Wolves Feeders Club of Warri, was witnessed by football lovers including the chief coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi.

Dr Uduaghan lauded his Deputy; Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) for sustaining the annual football tournament and assured Deltans that his administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for sporting activities to thrive in the state.

Royal Eagles Football Club clinched the trophy after beating Warri Wolves Feeders Club 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 at regulation time.