By Asuquo Cletus
The Senior Special Assistant on sports development Etta Lawrence, in collaboration with the Chief of staff Emmanuel Ironbar to the Governor of Cross River State Bassey Otu, has launched the maiden Prince Otu Veteran Super League to celebrate and reward retired athletes who have served the state and the nation.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday at the UK Esuene Stadium in Calabar, venue of the ongoing competition, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development, Etta Lawrence, said the initiative, part of Governor Bassey Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda.
He noted that the event is aimed at “harmonising the people through sports” and giving sporting veterans “a sense of belonging.”
“We have been having different programmes for the youth and middle-aged. This time around, it is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Other states have veteran leagues for football or golf, but in Cross River State, we decided to bring seven sports disciplines together — football, badminton, scrabble, tennis, table tennis, golf, and draughts,” Lawrence said.
According to him, participation was open to persons aged 45 and above, with age verification conducted in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission.
“The oldest football player here is 72 years, and we also have a tennis player of the same age. In golf, we have someone close to 80. It’s not for the youths, it’s not for the middle-aged — it’s for the aged,” he added.
Vice Chairman of the Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Usen Umoh, hailed the tournament as “a fantastic initiative” that revived the passion of athletes who had been away from the game for decades.
“This initiative has brought out veterans who have not played for 15, 20, or even 30 years. We have the likes of Professor Oti, , and a former national coach here. They are all playing and enjoying themselves,” Umoh said.
Eyo Nsa a former super eagles player, however, lamented that many sports veterans, like himself had been forgotten despite their sacrifices for the state and the country. “After giving our best to the state and Nigeria, many of us went home with nothing. This competition is a good start, but we need better welfare and recognition beyond this event.”- He said.
Udeme Essien a lecturer in the University of Calabar, urged the government to sustain the annual tournament, describing it as beneficial to their health and social well-being. “This is good for our health and it keeps us active. We want the government to continue this good gesture every year”.-Udeme said
The event featured cash rewards, with ₦1 million awarded to the table tennis category. Lawrence disclosed that the number of sports would increase from seven to ten in next year’s edition, with new modalities to ensure fair play between younger veterans and those above 70.
