As preparations are been put in place for the All Nigeria/ Cross River State Athletics Championships, the host state government has assured athletes, officials and spectators of hosting a world class event.
The event scheduled for the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar next week, will be likened to the USA and Jamaican national championship, according to the host government.
The executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has promised he will ensure the participants get the maximum comfort that will enable them put up their utmost performances.
Tagged Calabar 2013, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will use the event as selection trials for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, in August.
The state Commissioner for Sports, Patrick Ugbe, revealed on Monday following a meeting of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) headed by the state Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, that they’ve been mandated to organise a successful championships.
“His Excellency has charged us to organise a befitting championships that will be in line with our culture of excellence,” said the Sports Commissioner Ugbe.
“He wants us to maintain the high standard we have already set for the previous editions of the championships as well as the Obudu international mountain race.
“The athletes, the primary focus of the championships will have a taste of the famed Cross River state hospitality while adequate security will be provided for all participants including the spectators who will see the best of Nigerian athletes in action.
“This is what His Excellency wants all participants at the championships to come and savour. The Governor, being an ardent sports lover wants the athletes to have the kind of environment they enjoy at major international championships and Games like the IAAF World Championships and the Olympics so they can give their best,” Ugbe added.
