For the first time Lagos will be hosting the MTN CHAMPS and over 2500 athletes are set to compete for honours in both the Continental Relays and Schools Competition.
The Making of Champions who are the organisers of the MTN CHAMPS muscled financially by mobile network giants MTN, said Tuesday in Lagos that the competitions will begin Wednesday April 9 and run till April 12 at two venues…Yabatech Sports Complex for the Continental Relays and UNILAG Sports Complex for the schools’ athletics participation.
According to the MOC 1,267 athletes and 155 secondary schools have registered to participate in the U-17 and U-14 categories, 610 for U-20, and 628 for the Seniors…the highest number of entrances so far since the series started three years ago.
Benin Republic, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire also expected to field their teams for the Continental Relays, which will boost their qualifications chances for the World Relays in China and the World Athletics Championships.
Speaking at the Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka who is the MTN general manager enterprise marketing said the company is committed to supporting any activity that will aid in the development of athletics and indeed other sports in Nigeria.
She added that MTN is keen to join a hand in the country’s effort to discover and groom grassroots athletes who will make the country proud at feature Olympics.
“MTN CHAMPS is a platform that continues to grow, inspire, and transform the future of Athletics in Nigeria. At MTN, we’ve been committed to supporting the dreams and aspirations of Nigerians, not only through innovative solutions, but also through active involvement in socially impactful initiatives and programmes. This is why we are actively involved in sports, especially in Football and Athletics. In 2023, we launched the MTN CHAMPS with a clear vision to discover and nurture young Athletic talents with the goal of building future Olympians for Nigeria,” Ikenna-Emeka stated.
“We have remained committed to our vision and the journey thus far has been exceptionally remarkable. We have witnessed young and raw athletic talents from across the country push themselves to the limits, defy all odds, and inspire us with their talents as they compete in the Track and in the Field events. We have also discovered and selected 20 exceptional talents from different parts of Nigeria and they are here today where they are receiving coaching and training to represent Nigeria in future championships, “
