The Ehibam Griefshare Foundation which launched the Ehibam Schools Rugby program last year has made good its promise to institute an annual schools Rugby tournament in Edo State.

The first edition of the championship is billed for Friday, November 29, 2019 at Idia College in Benin City, Edo State from 10am to 4pm.

According to the coordinator and head coach of Edo State Rugby, Mr Ntiense Williams, the first edition of the Ehibam Schools Rugby Tournament will feature eight schools from the 14 schools presently participating in the program.

Expatiating on this, Williams told News Express in a chat, “The schools are divided into two categories of four boys and four girls teams namely: Edo Boys High School, Asoro Grammer School, Iyokogba Grammar School and Iyogbe College in the boys category.

“The girls category comprises of Emotan College, Idia College, Iyogbe College and St Mariah Goretti Secondary School."

Williams said Ehibam Griefshare Foundation has decided to partner in the development of Rugby in Nigeria in general and Edo State in particular, by sponsoring schools tournaments and special prizes to young Rugby players whenever the opportunity arises.

Speaking on why the foundation is taking up sponsorship of the tournament, the founder, Pastor Dupe Irele said, "The Ehibam Griefshare Foundation was set up three years ago in memory of my beloved son, Ehisieme Osarieme Ehi Alonge, who passed on two years earlier at a tender age of 35 in England on his way to work.

“He was a diehard Rugby player and coach especially for his local Rugby team and the kids of his neighborhood."

Continuing, Pastor Dupe (as she is fondly called), said, "The Foundation which is involved in assisting grieving family overcome their trying times has decided to give back to society through Ehi's love – Rugby - and in his home town of Edo State."

“Ehi would have been 40 years old this year. We believe that with the institution of a schools Rugby tournament, which was his love, we will keep his memory alive in our hearts and benefit the game and kids he loved so much,” she said.

“We will be celebrating his 40th posthumous birthday with two activities in Edo and Lagos States respectively,” she added.

Pastor Dupe thanked Edo State Sports Commission led by Barrister Godwin Dudu Orumen and the Edo State Rugby Association led by Engr Frank Evbuomwan for graciously partnering with her foundation on this auspicious project of developing the beautiful game of Rugby in Edo State.

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