Anambra Sports Chairman Says ANSSI is Redefining Grassroots Development

Posted : 27 December 2024

Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), has stated that the outgoing year was a successful one for the state’s sports sector.

Onyedum made this remark while reflecting on the year 2024 in an interview on Friday. He noted that the grassroots sports development program model under the Anambra Sports Solution Initiative (ANSSI) had ensured steady and sustainable progress, as demonstrated by the state’s performances at national competitions.

He further emphasized that he was recommending ANSSI to other states looking to rejuvenate their sports systems, as the initiative focused on talent discovery and nurturing at the grassroots level.

“We started the year with ANSSI, which is a flagship program. Under it, we organized competitions for children in primary and secondary schools, and it was a huge success,” Onyedum explained. “School sports have historically been a platform for discovering some of the best athletes we have produced, and grassroots sports development is the reason why the governor appointed me.

“With ANSSI, Anambra won seven gold medals at the National Youth Games in 2023, and in 2024, we secured nine gold medals—great progress over our previous record. This is the outcome of our ANSSI program, and I recommend that other states emulate this model. It will encourage the discovery of new athletes and reduce poaching and cheating during competitions.”

Onyedum also mentioned that the athletes who excelled at the National Youth Games received state and national scholarships, along with career development sponsorships as rewards.

Additionally, he stated that, with the approval of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Commission successfully organized the second edition of the Anambra State Traders Sports Competition, involving around 118 registered markets across the state. Winners of the competition received prizes ranging from N300,000 to N6 million, as part of an empowerment initiative by the governor.

Looking ahead to 2025, Onyedum expressed optimism, predicting an even better sporting year in terms of activities and successes. He noted that sports associations, which had been reconstituted, were expected to implement their programs with greater focus and effectiveness.

Anambra Sports Chairman Says ANSSI is Redefining Grassroots Development

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