Tournament Sponsor Moves To Achieve Unity

Sponsor of the ongoing football tournament tagged Mater  Football competition, Engineer Innocent Akuvue, has said that his aim of sponsoring the competition is to unite people.
Akuvue made the statement  at the weekend during the opening ceremony of the tournament held at the Mater Misericordiae football pitch, Rumuomasi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State.
According to him, his interest and inclination to sponsor the tournament was based on the fact that football was veritable tool for unity.
“ In fact, the Catholic Men  Organisation (CMO) and other groups at Mater Misericordia’s of Catholic Church have been bonding for several decades through football,” Innocent Akuvue said.
He maintained that football was a unifying factor, adding that it is all about people buying into what they consider worthwhile.
“It is all about people buying into what they consider worthwhile. You just have to remind those who have the spirit and passion to give and encourage others to maintain the moment,” he  added.
He expressed optimism that sooner or later corporate sponsor would identify with some of the participating teams in the competition and stressed on the need for branding.
The sponsor who is an ex- footballer and currently a member of Python International Golf Club Port Harcourt (1987) promised to sponsor more sporting events.
“In recent past, l have sponsored other sporting events in this country. However, l will continue to inspire and motivate footballers and athletes both on and off the pitch,” Akuvue  pledged.
Also speaking, Chairman,  CMO  of Mater  Misericordiae,  Sir, Nnamdi Azike, said that the competition was not a win at all  costs, rather an avenue  to promote unity and brotherhood.
“Our football competition is not a win at all costs. It is an opportunity to bring our people together. This competition is not a do or die affair,” Azike stated.
He promised that the next edition of the tournament would be bigger and higher  saying that something will be done urgently to improve the playing turf of the venue of the matches.
He commended the sponsor of the competition for his inspiration and philanthropic gesture.
“On behalf of the CMO, l want to use this opportunity to thank Engineer Innocent Akuvue and others for their contributions and efforts towards the progress of this competition,” Nnamdi Azike added.

By: Nancy Briggs