SRHD Sports Management, in collaboration with the Nigerian Inline Skating Federation (NISF) in partnership with Cross River State Sports Commission today, 15th June 2024 held the first ever Skate-A-Thon in the state. The event which lasted for two days saw athletes from several African countries including Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Niger and the Benin Republic. The Minister of Sports Cross River State, Sen. John Owan Enoh through his representative, Mr Ogunjimi Opeolu, expressed his joy for the advancement of sports in the state also extending his support for skating in the state.
Also in attendance was the honorable commissioner for sports Mrs. Agnes Atsu who flagged off the event and announced the domestication of skating in the state.
Speaking at the event, the General Secretary NISF Mr. Sylvester Phadion lauded the state government for endorsing the sport while highlighting the various provisions made for skaters in the state. Speaking further, he expressed his joy also stating how proud he was to be a skater. In his words, “For the past 20 years of my skating experience I have never seen a state that endorses skating like this state, the government has provided us with about 80% of our needs. For the first time, we are having a governor domesticate skating as a national sport. Honestly, I am happy and proud to be a skater. This is the first and we are proud to be associated with this ministry.”
The first day of the event featured competitions like high jump on skates, long jump on skates, football on skates, U17 marathon boys and girls categories, kids marathon, handicap marathon and football competition. The highlights of the event were the 42km marathon for males and the 21km marathon for females.
A skater Ms. Promise Chukwuemeka explained, “This is my first competition on skate and I think everything is well organized. The government gave this competition their best. They provided skaters with accommodation, food and security and these are the necessities of life…” Another skater from Kenya Mr. Lukman Mohammed expressed his satisfaction at the level of love he received on arriving at the state also stating his desire to return on the next event which was slated for 2nd August 2024. “I am enjoying myself, I am comfortable because I came to Calabar and the people show us love.”
