Akwa Ibom Schools and Colleges are set for this years AKS/NNPC/MPN Schools Athletics Championships, the 14th in the series.

In a memo addressed to all the stakeholders last week, the Consultant to the project Mr Paul Bassey said he was happy to inform them that Mobil Producing Nigeria has once again decided to keep faith with a laudable initiative it launched thirteen years ago, by deciding to facilitate this years championship.

“ …..as in previous editions, we are much grateful to NNPC and it’s Joint Venture Partner, Mobil Producing Nigeria for the faith it has kept with this programme which has contributed immensely in the development of track and field in our schools and colleges….”

•United we Stand… Nigerian juniors pleading for adequate training and preparations for major international meets.

He reminded them how the state Government has benefitted immensely from the grass root initiative which he considered “ the biggest fixture in the  state’s sports calendar”

“ ……Permit me to remind us that last year, thanks to this developmental initiative and it’s products, Akwa Ibom State emerged champions in the athletics event of the National Junior Sports Festival held in Abuja……” Mr Bassey also revealed that there will be a stakeholders meeting in Uyo on November 7 to fine tune preparations for the Zonals that will be held a week earlier in the eight sports zones of the state.

Mr Omon Bassey Omon, Coordinator for Ibiono Ibom Zone confirmed the development and said the Local Government trials are on as the schools are already sensitized for the event.

“ The good thing about this competition is that it is an annual fixture and we are always looking forward to it. Even before the official announcement I and my colleagues have been preparing and thanks to experience over time we are ready to deliver as usual” he said.

A director in the State Schools Sports Board Dr Lucia Ituen was also all praise for Mobil Producing. “ What could we have done without them? The state ministry of education will forever be grateful to them for giving our students an opportunity for first class extra curricula activity” She said.

It is expected that this year’s final will be held at the brand new tracks of the Ultra Modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo and the sponsors are guaranteeing that all the students be availed with the opportunity of been able to run with spike shoes and the use of modern track and field equipment. NORTH CENTRAL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS: