By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, Patrick Estate Onyedum, has said that whopping cash prizes exceeding fifteen million naira (N15,000,000) are up for g rab as the third edition of the Anambra Solution Sports Initiative (ANSSI) is set to kick off on March 19, 2025 and conclude on June 25, 2025.
Addressing journalists in Awka, Onyedum highlighted the significance of ANSSI in grassroots sports development, describing it as a key initiative under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration. He emphasized that ANSSI was conceived to nurture young talents in primary and secondary schools across the state, including public, federal, private, and mission-owned institutions, across various age categories (U-12, U-14, and U-18).
Reflecting on the program’s impact over the past two years, Onyedum expressed pride in Anambra State’s growing reputation in sports. He noted that ANSSI products have gained international recognition, with some athletes securing opportunities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Within Nigeria, two outstanding ANSSI athletes are currently on full scholarships at a renowned sports academy in Abuja.
Furthermore, he revealed that Anambra State’s performance at the National Youth Games (NYG) has improved significantly since the introduction of ANSSI. He noted that, while the state previously struggled to win five gold medals at the event, its medal haul has now risen to nine gold medals in the last NYG held in Asaba. To sustain this momentum, he disclosed that the Sports Commission has donated sports equipment, including tennis boards and basketball courts, to select schools to encourage active participation.
“This third edition will be bigger and better,” Onyedum assured, adding that the competition would be held across the 21 Local Government Areas and three senatorial zones of the state. He urged all participants, including officials and athletes, to strictly adhere to the rules of the competition.
Joined at the event by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Onyedum also expressed gratitude to the State Education Ministry for granting approval for schools to participate, noting that without their support, ANSSI would not have come to fruition. He extended his appreciation to private and mission schools, organizing committees, sub-committees, and sports journalists, particularly members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), for their unalloyed support.
While noting that this year’s edition will feature 11 sporting events, he said the N15 million cash prizes will be won by teams and participants across various categories.
“This is our scorecard, and we look forward to an exciting and competitive third edition of ANSSI. I urge everyone to continue supporting this initiative and give it the best media coverage possible,” Onyedum concluded.
More photos from the event:
