As part of its effort to improve humanity, Ikukuoma Foundation in partnership with Like-Minds Fitness Club, Owerri are set for its maiden edition of the Ikukuoma Secondary Schools Football Competition for schools in the Owerri Zone Senatorial District of Imo state.
The competition, which is galvanized to strengthen sporting activities in Secondary Schools in Imo State, Owerri Zone particularly as Trumpeta sports gathered is Sponsored by the President of Ikukuoma Foundation, Dr. Summers VC Nwokie and organized by Like-Minds Fitness Club in conjunction with Imo state School Sports.
Reacting to journalists in Owerri on Tuesday, the Director General of the humanitarian outfit, Comr Julius Nnaji emphasized on the commitments of the foundation in the area of sports, using same as a veritable tool for youth development and some of the activities done so far in that respect, by the foundation.
He also pointed out the need for such sporting activities to be narrowed down to secondary schools in a bid to make foundational basements aimed at creating future athletes who can make meaningful livelihoods via sports as well as reducing social vices which may be occasioned by idleness and bad associations.
The President of Like-Minds Fitness Club, Mr Chuks Dike while highlighting on the coming event, corroborated the facts earlier highlighted by Comrade Nnaji stating that the competition was borne out of the desire to give back to the society.
Dike maintained that secondary school football tournaments has in the past acted as a ladder for young talented footballers to climb to greatness, saying that School sports has produced ex internationals, such as, Henry Nwosu (MON), Kanu Nwankwo (OON), Mobi Oparaku (MON) including himself (Chuks Dike).
He expressed that these men have in one way or the other contributed their own quota in bringing back to life the long abandoned, School games which he pointed out has brought so much glory to the nation at the International scene.
He implored for more assistances from public spirited individuals and corporate bodies to support the efforts of the founder of Ikukuoma Foundation, Dr. Summers V.C Nwokie, who is the sole financier of the football event.
In her own contribution, Head of the Health Unit of Ikukuoma Foundation, Mrs Pearl Ihuoma, who spoke with gratitude said the competition will apart from reduction social vices and help the participants stay healthy in line with the foundations program of; “Healthy Thinking Club Initiative”, a Secondary School program being run by Ikukuoma Foundation, aimed at moral and social growth of students.
The tournament is supported and endorsed by Imo State Ministry of Education and Imo State Football Association as they are equally involved in oversight partnership.
It could be recalled that Secondary Schools sporting programs have eluded the state over the years, this gesture by Ikukuoma Foundation and their technical partners, Like-Minds Fitness Club will greatly make a difference by bringing back the glory days.
20 Schools from Owerri Zone are expected to take part in the 2 weeks tournament as the draws will be held this weekend at the Ministry of Education auditorium at state Secretariat, Owerri.
