AYG Games: Umahi Rewards Bronze Medalist With N300,000

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi yesterday rewarded Miss Chidimma Nwankwo with N300,000 for winning bronze in Taekwondo at the last African Youth Games competition in Algiers, Algeria.
Tidesports source reports that Nwankwo, 16, hails from Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and won the medal in the 53 kg category of the Games.
The state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports Mr Charles Akpuenika, who made the presentation on behalf of Umahi, said the governor and the state’s sports community were proud of Nwankwo’s achievements.
“We are pleased with your bronze-winning feat at the Games as you had earlier won a gold medal in the same event at the National Youth Games, held in Ilorin, Kwara.
“This token is a form of encouragement to you to work harder and win gold medals for the state and country in your future endeavours,” he said.
The governor noted that budding sport talents across the state would continue to enjoy the government’s support to win more laurels and achieve their life ambitions through sports.
“The provision of modern sports facilities at the refurbished Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium among other centre across the state, has assisted in harnessing these athlete’s talents for more product usage.
“The sports school competition which has been revamped among other grassroots-oriented sports policies have ensured that sports talents scattered around the state are discovered and nurtured,” he said.
Nwankwo thanked the governor for the gesture and noted that it would spur her to greater achievements.
“I aimed to clinch the gold medal at the Games but lost due to technical errors which, however, have been identified and will be worked on.
“I am pleased with my achievements with the highest being the opportunity to ‘fight with white athletes’ during the competition,” she said.
The Ebonyi Teakwondo Coach, Mr James Onwe, who tutored Nwankwo, also commended the governor for the gesture and noted that she would be better prepared for future competitions.
“She is the best athlete in the event’s category in the country and we are happy that she would henceforth compete in the senior category due to her feats,” he said.