Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has announced a cash award of N5.75 million to the three overall winners of the secondary schools sports festival which ended in Enugu on Thursday.
The schools are the National Grammar School, Nike, which came first, the Queens Secondary School, Enugu, which placed second and third-placed Community Secondary School, Umuopu in Enugu Ezike.
For the feat, Nike will receive a total of N3 million, Queens school, N1.75 million while Umuopu will get N1 million.
Chime, who made the announcement at the closing ceremony of the four-day festival, said the awards were from both the state and his person.
“So the best school, National Grammar School, Nike, to encourage you, to show appreciation for your effort, the government will make a donation of N2 million to the school, then I will make a donation of N1 million to the school.
“For the second best school, Queens School, Enugu, the government is making a donation of N1 million and you have personal donation from me of N750,000 for your effort.
“And then for the Community Secondary School, Umuopu, Enugu Ezike, the third best school, the government is making a donation of N500,000 and I also give a personal donation of N500,000,” he said.
The governor also noted that the competition would be an annual event and advised the students to always give their best to move sports forward.
Chime explained that the state had always been known for producing talented men and women and also had the policy of encouraging sports at the grassroots.
“It is the policy of this government to encourage sports. We heard of states buying or hiring athletes or sports men and women during the National Sports Festival.
“But Enugu State is certain in produce her own talents. Enugu had always been known for producing great talents, great names in sports,” he said.
Chime, while declaring the ceremony closed, advised the students to utilise their opportunities and wished them journey mercies to their various destinations.
The organisers of the festival had yet to provide the final medals table when the governor declared it closed. (NAN)