The long awaited maiden edition of Richard Agbonifo Athletics Championship took place on Saturday November 26, 2022 inside Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja.
Over 150 track and field U15 young athletes (boys and girls) participated.
The one day event, held at the main practice pitch was declared open by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Technical Director, Samuel Onitekun.
He wished the kids a hitch and injury free competition, and tasked them to strive to be the best they can today and always.
According to him, they should see the competition as an opportunity to grow and be the best, like Mary Onyeali and Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and the Ezinwa brothers.
The athletes all tagged with numbers, and in the foundation’s branded tops, were later grouped according to their ages, for the races – 50, 80 100, 200, 400 & 800 meters for the older boys and girls.
Addressing the Kids, Sponsor of the championship & Chief Executive of Richard Aigbonifo Hand2Hand Foundation, Richard Aigbonifo, said all he is trying to do was to help build them up in athletic, handball and all of sports.
He however urged them to first go to school and always give their all to both academics and sports.
“Take charge of your future, ask questions as ignorance is not an excuse. Continue to train, your data is with the foundation. If you can’t go to school because of funding problems, come to us, we also give scholarships.
“The funding of this event, is basically from donations from individuals & teams in Germany.
“This includes the shoes, and other kits we will be giving to the boys and girls. We therefore implore Nigerians to key in and let’s give the children a better future,” he said.
Richard Aigbonifo is also the CEO Hand2Hand Sports Foundation – Registered in both Nigerian & Germany.
