Under 17 North East Athletic Championship Commences In Bauchi

By Najib Sani

The first edition of the under-17 north east athletic zonal championship has commenced in Bauchi, with a call on the young athletes to shun illicit drugs.

The two day sporting event, was initiated by the north east zonal representative at the athletic federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Adamu Babayo Gabarin, through Bauchi state sports council and the ministry of youth and sports development of the state.

Speaking to sports journalists at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium, head of Technical of the Bauchi state sports council, Coach Bala Magaji Juwara, said about 80 athletes both male and females would compete in at least six categories of the Athletics event.

Coach Bala Juwara explained that the under-seventeen athletes would compete in 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters and Long Jump all in male and females categories.

He added that the championship would help in identifying hidden talents among young populace that can be nurtured to represent their respective states at zonal and national events.

He thanked AFN north east representative, Alhaji Adamu Babayo Gabarin for initiating the two day event, saying it will boost Athletics and other sporting events across six states of the region.

He wishes the participating athletes success and warned them to avoid taking illicit drugs before, during and after the championship, emphasizing that winners from current trials will be invited to the national camp for further trainings.