Bayelsa Hosts NDDC’s Wrestling Tourney

The maiden edition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sponsored traditional wrestling tournament tagged “SMACK DOWN TOURNAMENT “will commence today in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Four states, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom States will be involved in the tournament.

This was disclosed by the Technical Director of Geopecha’s Xtreme Kicks Sports, King Chris Odogwu, the organisers of the tournament, while briefing newsmen yesterday, in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the competition would commence today and end tomorrow at the Multi Purpose Hall of Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

He said that the tournament is intended for talent discovery, grassroots sports development and curbing of youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region.

Odogwu explained that Geopecha’s Xtreme Kicks Sports is an organisation geared towards the transformation of Niger Deltans through sports.

“This programme is a trial edition, it is designed for youths (boys and girls) from four NDDC states, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa-Ibom, including primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools. They would compete among themselves.

As I speak, every participant would take home the sum of N20,000 while winners the indifferent categories will be given a reward of N80,000 cash prize, each.This is an avenue for coaches to scout for talents and catch them young, he said.

The technical director, used the forum to appeal to corporate organisations to partner with them in the spirit of develop-sports and the youth in the area. He said that any  company that partners with the organisation would enjoy tax holiday promised by the Niger Delta State governments.

He further commended the Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom State governments, including NDDC and Odogwu photos for partnering with the organisation.

Tonye Orabere