The Cross River State Government in partnership SRHD Sports Management say they are ready to make the state’s capital, Calabar, a hub of skating delight come April 2025 as it preparing to host the second African Skating Championship tagged Skate-a-thon 2025. Speaking Daniel Damola, CEO of SRHD Sports Management, the championship is scheduled for April 17 to 19 2025 and is expected to attract over 2,000 skaters from across the continent with capacity to bring a significant improvement to the local economy and boost tourism.“Skate-a-thon 2025 holds tremendous economic potential for the people of Cross River State and Nigeria,” he said.
“By providing a platform for over 2,000 local and international skaters, the event is expected to generate various employment opportunities.“Beyond the economic benefits, the championship is expected to showcase Calabar’s natural beauty and serene landscapes, attracting tourists eager to experience both the competition and the region’s attractions.”
Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has also pledged his unwavering commitment to create an enabling environment for sports development. The governor said hosting the competition in the state is historic as the tournament marks another day of history in sporting activities in the state.
He said his administration takes sports seriously and expressed optimism that the tournament will find roots in the state.
Also speaking, Agnes Atsuthe state’s commissioner for sports development, said the ultimate goal of the state is to produce skaters who can represent the country at international competitions.
“Participants should expect an exciting programme. Skating itself is exciting and it will be fun to watch. There are prizes to be won and we expect our indigenous skaters to step up to the podium as well. Our real expectation is also to see our skates from Cross River to represent Nigeria when the competition is held outside Nigeria.”
Also speaking, AC Wuni Taylor, the president Inland Skating Federation said Skating will engage youths in the state and help take them off negative vices.
20 years old Lucy Moses from Abuja emerged winner of the female category while Okeitunu Joseph from Lagos won the male category.
