The Cross River State Sports Commission has inaugurated 27 sporting associations in a bold move to revitalise sports development and restore the state’s competitive edge on the national stage.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Table Tennis Indoor Sports Hall of the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Lawrence Etta Itanya, said the initiative marks a new chapter in efforts to reposition sports in Cross River State.
Itanya noted that the Commission is committed to reversing the decline in sporting activities by building strong structures through functional associations across various disciplines.
“We are ready to revamp and reposition sports in Cross River State. I urge all association chairmen and their board members to put their hands on deck to change the narrative and bring back the lost glory of sports in the state,” he said.
He charged the newly inaugurated officials to be proactive in sourcing funds and partnerships rather than relying solely on government support, assuring them of the Commission’s backing to succeed.
Responding on behalf of the associations, Chairman of the Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the opportunity to serve.
He pledged that the associations would deploy their experience to identify and nurture young talents capable of bringing honour to the state in national and international competitions.
“We will focus on grassroots development and talent discovery to ensure Cross River produces athletes who can compete at the highest levels,” he said, adding that the state has the potential to produce future Olympians.
Also speaking, Chairman of the State Boxing Association, Jumbo Michael, and Chairman of the State Athletics Association, Pius Neji, assured that their respective bodies would work diligently to win medals for the state in upcoming competitions.
The event climaxed with the swearing-in of the 27 association chairmen, signalling the formal take-off of a renewed drive to reposition sports development in Cross River State.
By Our Staff Reporter
