13 Brigade organizes national under-19 squash competition

The one week event was declared open at the UJ Esuene stadium but climaxed at the 13 Brigade barrack in Calabar last weekend. The event which attracted children from most parts of the country, including Cross River State and top squash technocrats, saw the children carting away top laurels and over five hundred thousand prize […]

The one week event was declared open at the UJ Esuene stadium but climaxed at the 13 Brigade barrack in Calabar last weekend.

The event which attracted children from most parts of the country, including Cross River State and top squash technocrats, saw the children carting away top laurels and over five hundred thousand prize money.

The commander of the Brigade, Brigadier General Shehu Yusuf said the purpose of the competition was to create awareness for the sports and to encourage budding youngsters to pick interest in the sports.

He maintained that the Brigade would consolidate on the achievements and also address the challenges witnessed during this first edition in subsequent editions.

The President of the National Squash Federation, Femi Ajagbe said he was impressed with the outcome of the competition, adding that the young players identified would be encouraged to reach their peak.

He also said federation was doing everything possible to ensure that more championships are held in the country as a way of reviving interest in the sport.

Governor Liyel Imoke, who was represented at the event by the new commissioner for sports, Patrick Ugbe commended the 13 Brigade for their initiatives, especially in bringing the competition to Calabar.

Ugbe said the competition will also help the state in her preparation for the National Sports Festival which will be hosted by the Cross River State in 2014, adding that the his ministry was working with sports development programs consultants in this regard.

The eventual winner in the female category was, Kehinde Adebayo, 14 years old won in the five games against Oluwafemi Damilola, 18 years old both from Ondo State. Kehinde smiled home with N100, 000 cash.

In the male finals, Chidi Kalu 17, won in the five games against Adamu Abubakar 18, both from Niger State. Chidi also went home with a princely sum of N100, 000.00.

The game also featured presentation of cash prizes to the winners and also consolation prizes were given to the participants.