Reviving Youth Sports In Rivers

The near absence of Rivers names in
major national sporting events in
recent times appears to attract concerns in some quarters. Indeed, given the many benefits in sports, the state and its people cannot afford to be indifferent.
That the triumphant 2013 Golden Eaglets Squad, Women Under-17 team, Flamingoes, Women Under-20 team, Falconets and track and field athletes had little or no Rivers names should worry everyone.
It should be seen as a misnoma that very little is being done to fight for our share of the global sports economy with the abundant manpower and talents that abound within the state. The development brings to mind the comatose state of youth sports bodies and activities that held sway in Port Harcourt some years ago.
Time was when youth-based sporting competitions like the T.A.T Allison Cup, Chief Harold Dappa Biriye Cup, school sports competitions among others, used to throw up talents that went on to represent the state and country in championships. Why all that died without replacements should raise questions.
Perhaps, the time has come to revive and develop youth sports at the grassroots across the state. Without doubt, Rivers is endowed with talents that can stand their ground anywhere, anytime. The missing link includes the recognition of the place of sports as well as the encouragement and sponsorship needed.
In the first place, we expect the Ministry of Sports and its Education counterpart to collaborate and  take advantage of organisations like the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, YSFON, Thompson Kwashi’s Tyron & Thompson outfit (which focuses on handball), to rekindle the light of Youth Sports in the State.
For some time, YSFON through sustained programming and mentoring was the nursery that produced the stars that did Nigeria proud and expanded the horizon of possibilities for the youth in the 1980s and 90s.
The bulk of the 1985 Golden Eaglets that won the maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup in China were products of YSFON. Also a good number of the players and coaching crew of the 2013 were at different times featured in the federation’s tournaments.
Youth sports organisations like YSFON must not be allowed to go extinct in the State. No effort should be spared at ensuring that Rivers Youths are given enough platforms to showcase their talents.
Interestingly, the Rivers State Government started the Governor Amaechi Street Soccer Competition. Also, the provision of world-class sporting facilities shows the understanding of government in this direction.
Similarly, the proposed Rivers State Football College of Excellence in Etche has the potential of taking Youth Sports development to the next level. Even so, the participation of the private sector, especially in running sports academies can bring about the needed boost.
Interestingly, corporate bodies that embark on sports development also enjoy some benefits like tax waivers, steady publicity and expanded networking. The long term benefit and the feeling of fulfillment in contributing to sports development on the other hand amounts to much.
The Rivers State Ministry of Sports will need to partner with youth sports bodies to revive grassroots sports. The ministry must also take steps to, facilitate and harmonise the establishment of sports academies in the state for maximum productivity.
Rivers needs to start playing leading roles in sporting events, especially, swimming, handball, weightlifting, football, athletics, beach soccer, etc. All we need are the enabling environment, the political will and a sustained push.