Niger Delta Games: Cross River Identifies New Talents at State Trials
Cross River State sports authorities say they have made significant progress in talent discovery following the state trials for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, held in the Central Senatorial District.
The trials, organized by the Niger Delta Games Liaison Committee in partnership with the Cross River State Sports Commission led by Lawrence Etta, were conducted to select athletes who will advance to the state finals and eventually represent Cross River at the Games.
Commission Chairman Lawrence Etta noted that the exercise has exposed young athletes from both urban and rural communities to organized competition, many for the first time. He described the trials as a platform that has uncovered raw talent and provided opportunities for participants to interact beyond their local environments.
Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (KSM), said the report from Cross River reflects the core objective of the Niger Delta Games, giving young people from remote areas the chance to showcase their abilities and potentially progress to national and international levels.
The initiative has drawn commendation from athletes, community leaders, and sports stakeholders, who praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dunamis-Icon Limited, and the Cross River State Government for supporting youth empowerment through sports.
Members of the state liaison committee include Queen Gladys Igut, Secretary; Mrs. Rosemary Usang, Director of Sports; Ettah Emmanuel, Head of Media and Publicity; and David Enwa.
