The zonal finals of the Akwa Ibom State/NNPC/Mobil Schools Athletics Championships came to an end last week end in the state with two students in the Etinan and Uyo zonal centres stealing the lime lights.

In Eket, Steven Anietie, a 17 year old SS3 student of Alex Secondary Commercial School Idua romped to three gold medals in Discuss Shot Putt and Long Jump.

The star of the Zonals was undoubtedly Enobong Aniefiok Okon who running in the Etinan centre was the cynosure of all eyes with her four gold medals in 100 and 200 metres,Discuss and Long jump.

There was no stopping the 15 year old  student of Etinan Institute from claiming the fastest female tag when she left all her competitors standing with her burst of speed.

She repeated the feat in the 200 metres and anchored her school to the silver in an exciting  400 metres relay race that kept the thrilled spectators on the edge of their seats.

In Ibiono Ibom Zone, Joy Paul of Fulga International school leaped 4.07 metres to place second behind Itoro Christopher Etok who leapt 4.13 metres to win the long jump gold.

Declaring competition open in Uyo  Zone, the Principal of Federal Science and Technical College Uyo, Mrs T. A. Nweke reminded all present of the place of Physical Education in the all round development of the child.

“ No one is in doubt that sports programmes of this nature provide ample opportunity for the physical, mental, social and moral development of students. Also, bringing principals, students and teachers together is one sure way of promoting unity in the state,” she said.

She commended Mobil Producing Nigeria for helping to develop sports in the state, especially at grass root level and prayed that enough resources will be ploughed in to guarantee the realization of the aims of the competition.

In  Abak Zone, Oruk Anam Transition Committee chairman Professor Victor Inoka while receiving the project Consultant Mr. Paul Bassey in his office,said he was delighted to host the competition for the first time and that given the opportunity he would love to host it again to the glory of the youths of the state

Competitions were held in the eight sports Zones of the state including Ikot Ekpene, Oron and Ikot Abasi .

Winners in the 12 sports of 100, 200, 400 and 800metres and in the field events of discuss, javelin high and long jump will qualify for the grand finale in Eket on December 9.