Awka, Anambra State – In a celebration of athletic prowess and community spirit, the Idemili South Female Team was declared the winner of the Healthy Living Female Volleyball Competition, organized under the banner of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo (HLWNS). The competition, which took place at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, saw a display of remarkable talent from young female athletes across Anambra State.
Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the initiator of HLWNS, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the victorious team, presenting them with a N500,000 prize. “I am truly proud of what these young women have achieved,” Mrs. Soludo remarked, commending the dedication and skill of the players. She also thanked the Mayors who graced the event with their presence, acknowledging their role in boosting the morale and motivation of the athletes. “Special thanks to all the Mayors present who have come to motivate and cheer up female Volleyball players from their respective local governments to victory,” she said.
The event was not just about competition but also about fostering a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie among the young athletes. Mrs. Soludo was visibly moved by the display of unity and skill, noting, “The sheer number of talents I saw in these young girls are mind-blowing. The teamwork within them which they have bonded with is amazing.” She emphasized that encouraging physical activity is one of the core objectives of HLWNS, stating, “And this is one of the reasons for Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo because exercise is one of our cardinal pillars. We are going to harness the raw talents in these girls.”
The First Lady’s commitment to promoting health through sports was evident in her remarks. She highlighted the broader benefits of such extracurricular activities, not just for physical health but for character building and community engagement. “I appreciate everyone who has come to cheer these girls up! Extracurricular activities such as this should be encouraged. Next year will be even bigger!” she exclaimed, promising an even grander event in the future.
The competition drew attention to the untapped potential within Anambra’s youth, particularly the girls, who often have fewer platforms to showcase their talents. The event served as a platform to not only compete but also to learn, grow, and inspire each other, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among participants.
Community support was palpable, with local leaders, parents, and peers coming out in numbers to support the athletes. This collective backing not only uplifts the players but also sends a strong message about the value of women’s sports and the need for community investment in youth development.
The volleyball competition was part of a series of events by HLWNS aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles through sports, nutrition education, and other community-based activities. These initiatives are designed to combat sedentary lifestyles and promote physical fitness among the youth.
For the participants, the event was more than just a competition; it was an opportunity to gain recognition, build confidence, and potentially open doors to further opportunities in sports. The prize money awarded to Idemili South will undoubtedly support further training and development for the team, enhancing their prospects in future tournaments.
Mrs. Soludo’s vision for Anambra involves creating a culture where health, sports, and community support are interlinked, providing young people with the resources and encouragement needed to succeed in various fields. Her initiative continues to gain traction, promising a healthier, more active youth population in Anambra.
As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of achievement and anticipation for what lies ahead, with all parties involved looking forward to the continued growth and success of such community-driven sports initiatives in Anambra State.
