A renowned Olympian and Chairman of the Abia State Taekwondo Assoociation Engr. Chika Chukwumerije has appreciated young taekwondo athletes from the state and their coaches for their impressive showing at the recently held 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Athletes rewarded with a cash gifts and medals from Engr. Chukwumerije include: 14-year-old Chidiebere Ikechukwu who won a silver medal for the state in -37kg, Greater Ukoha who won bronze in the male Individual demonstration (Poomsae) and, Uchechi Triumph Gabriel who also won bronze in the female Individual demonstration (Poomsae).
Also appreciated were the coaching crew, including, the chief coach Mr.Chinasa Okojo, his Assistant Ogbonna Aruo and the secretary Mrs. Grace Idika .
Speaking during the brief presentation ceremony which took place in the office of the Abia state Director of Sports, Mr. Obioma George, Secretary of the Abia State Taekwondo Associations Mrs. Grace Idika conveyed the message of commendation, appreciation and encouragement to the young athletes and their parents as well as stakeholders in the sports council.
Speaking in her own capacity, Mrs. Idika recalled that Engr. Chukwumerije has been a pillar to the growth of taekwondo in the state and beyond for over eight years now since he became chairman of the association.
Mrs. Idika emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to embrace sports especially parents in order to help curtail the rising spate of youth restiveness.
In his brief remark, the deputy chairman of the association and coach of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) taekwondo club, Dr. Okechi Onwuka and chief coach Chinasa Okoji appreciated their chairman for the gesture as well as the athletes, coaches and the management of Abia Sports council for the great job they have put in so far and encouraged them not to relent efforts.
In his speech, the Abia State Director of Sports, Mr. Obioma George expressed his excitement over the gesture which he said will uplift the zeal of the athletes, describing taekwondo as one of the sports that guarantees the state a medal every national championship.
He commended the Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his interest and the support his administration is giving to the athletes through the ministry of sports ably led by Sir Nwobilor Ananaba.
It could be recalled that the Abia born African gold medalist in taekwondo Engr. Chika Chukwumerije who was way back in 2009 inducted into the World’s Taekwondo Hall of Fame in New Jersey, has been in the vanguard of supporting taekwondo athletes especially in the south east through their associations using the Chukwumerije Sports Foundation.
