By Ben Efe
Cross River state governor, Liyel Imoke has concluded plans to bring in Cuban coaches to added pep to the state’s grassroots sports development programme.

The commissioner for sports, Patrick Ugbe disclosed at the closing of this year’s Cross River Schools Championships that two Cuban coaches will join in the programme to help with grooming the young athletes discovered from the various local government areas of the state.

“Already we have one Cuban on ground. He is taking the kids on boxing. We have already discussed with the Cuban government and the others will be in Calabar very soon.”  He added that the Cross River government is satisfied with the progress of the programme adding that the governor is working to extend it beyond his admin-istration.

“We are going to sustain the programme. Every year we see fresh discovery of talents and those who were there before in primary schools category were asked to compete with seniors in secondary schools and they are doing well,” added Mr. Ugbe.

Calabar Municipality won the Secondary Schools category with 11 gold, six silver and nine bronze medals, while Ikom local government area won the primary school category with eight gold, seven silver and two bronze medals.