By BASSEY WILLIE

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has inaugurated a sports club, called, “GEJ Sports Club” in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital to nurture young talents across Nigeria in various sports.

Speaking Monday during the opening of the sports club at his residence in Yenagoa, Jonathan urged stakeholders in sports to partner with the club in nurturing young talents in Nigeria.

The GEJ Sports Club, which is located at his compound in Yenagoa, had some young athletes participating in the opening ceremony and were awarded various gifts for their performance.

The former president, who explained the motive of floating the Sports Club, noted that the vision is aimed at raising young talents who may become world champions in future.

According to him, the GEJ Club House will accommodate different indoor games, stating that he is optimistic that the facility will be completed on record time so that they can host some state, zonal and national competitions before the end of the year.

He noted that the Club House will be a tourist centre for sports enthusiasts and a home for everyone.

He said: “Today, it was a delight and honour to host friends and sports enthusiasts at the official opening of GEJ sports club in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

“The idea here is to groom young talents, that can compete favourably with other international players from any part of the world.

“The Club will be pleased to partner with relevant stakeholders to grow and nurture young talents that will make Nigeria and Africa proud,” he said.

During the inaugural game, some athletes competed in lawn tennis game, where Aruera Jonathan, son to the former President and Pabara Omie took first position, while Professor Osomu and Comfort Alex, came second in the Mixed Double Category.

The veteran category had Chief Kemi Prefah and Esan Dede, took the second position in the mixed double category while Justice T.I. Cocodia claimed the first position.

For the junior category, Aliyah Precious emerged winner for the under 10 matches while Fatayei was awarded the champion in the under 14 games.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Mr Gentle Emelah, expressed delight over the “GEJ Sports Club” put in place by the former president, adding that the state government will partner with the club for sports development. (Daily Trust)

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