Screening exercise for the inaugural edition of the Enugu State Under-15 grassroot sports competition for the 17 local government areas commenced yesterday.

The competition which is organized by the Enugu State Ministry for Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with a multinational construction firm witnessed over 1000 athletes and their coaches undergoing the exercise at the main bowl of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

In his address, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu reiterated the commitment of the present administration’s towards the growth of the sports in the state, while stressing on the importance of having a database for proper documentation and monitoring of athletes’ development.

Speaking to power sports crew shortly after the exercise, Assistant Coach, Enugu State Taekwondo Association, Frank Ekwerike expressed delight over such kind of event, reaffirming that exceptional talents discovered from the competition would represent the state in the forthcoming National Youth Games.

Also Speaking, Weightlifting Coach, Chidi Alodi is optimistic that his athletes will win medals at the championship, adding that the competition will also avail the officials to assess the athletes closely,

Reacting on the expectations and prospects from the competition, a medical practitioner and a parent, Dr. Kingsley Otankpo is certain that world beaters and champions would emerge from the competition but called on the relevant authorities to do more in terms of providing the enabling environment and facilities.

Organisers of the competition have hinted that the exercise will continue today so as to give opportunity for some of the local government athletes that could not take part in yesterday’s activity.

The weeklong competition will see athletes compete in various sports such as Football, Cricket, Basketball, Volleyball, Cycling, Taekwondo, Chess, Scrabble, Para -table tennis, Golf, Weightlifting, Boxing in the  Male and Female categories.