The maiden edition of the South East/South South volleyball tournament has kicked off in Umuahia with Team Abia leading so far.
Declaring the competition open at the indoor hall of the Umuahia Township stadium, Governor Alex Otti tasked the athletes on professionalism, expressing the government’s keen interest in sports development.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu said that the tournament would enable youths to discover their talents and expose them to international recognition.
He appreciated the National President of the Volleyball Association for granting Abia State the opportunity to host the first edition of the South-East/South-South volleyball championship.
In her speech, the 2nd Vice President and Chairman League Management Committee, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Nkechi Ezugwu charged participating teams, coaches and officials to show professionalism and sportsmanship in their conducts.
She thanked Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the championship.
In a remark, the State Director of Sports, Mr. George Obioma expressed confidence that with the competition the South East and South South would bounce back in volleyball in Nigeria, adding that Abia youths could utilize the opportunities to head abroad as professional players.
Male and female volleyball teams from South East and South South are competing in the championship.