The MTN CHAMPS Season 3, a prominent athletics development program in Nigeria, has rescheduled its final stage to May 6-9, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This shift from the original dates of April 30-May 3 is a tribute to the late Pascal Dozie, the founding Chairman of MTN Nigeria, who passed away on April 8. Dozie’s significant contribution to the establishment and growth of MTN is acknowledged by the organizers, who see the postponement as a mark of respect for his legacy. The Grand Final, anticipated to be a thrilling culmination of Season 3, will now serve as a testament to his impact on the company and the Nigerian telecommunications landscape.
The MTN CHAMPS stands as a crucial initiative in nurturing young athletic talent within Nigeria. This season has seen an impressive registration of 1,737 athletes, vying for positions across 4,636 event entries. These participants are categorized into four age groups: 321 Cadets (under 14), 596 Youth (under 17), 423 Juniors (under 20), and 397 Seniors (no age limit). This diverse representation across age groups ensures a broad spectrum of talent is showcased, fostering a competitive environment that pushes athletes to strive for excellence. The program’s focus on development provides budding athletes with a valuable platform to demonstrate their skills, gain experience, and potentially propel their careers to national and international levels.
In preparation for the rescheduled Grand Final, a crucial athletes’ screening process has been implemented. Scheduled for May 4-5, coinciding with bib collection, this screening is mandatory for all Cadet and Youth athletes. Their presence is crucial not only for the screening itself but also to secure their bibs and maintain their positions on the event start lists. This process underlines the organizers’ commitment to fairness and ensuring all athletes are eligible and properly registered for their respective competitions. It also provides an additional opportunity to verify age categories and ensure compliance with the regulations of the championship.
To facilitate the screening process and ensure accurate age verification, athletes in the younger categories – Cadet and Youth – are required to present specific documentation. A photocopy of a valid form of identification clearly displaying the athlete’s date of birth is essential. Acceptable documents include birth certificates, international passports, and official school records. This rigorous process ensures the integrity of the age categories, maintaining a level playing field for all competitors. The organizers emphasize the importance of providing accurate and verifiable documentation to avoid any potential disqualification or issues with participation.
In addition to age verification, parental consent is a critical component of the registration process. All athletes competing in the Cadet, Youth, and Junior categories must submit a signed Parental Consent Form. This form, signed by at least one parent or legal guardian, grants permission for the athlete to participate in the MTN CHAMPS. This requirement reflects the organizers’ commitment to safeguarding the well-being of young athletes and ensuring adherence to child protection policies. Securing parental consent underscores the responsibility taken by the program in creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
The MTN CHAMPS not only provides a competitive platform for young athletes but also underscores the importance of proper documentation and parental involvement. The stringent screening process, age verification requirements, and mandatory parental consent demonstrate the program’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and athlete welfare. By emphasizing these crucial aspects, the MTN CHAMPS ensures a level playing field for all participants while fostering a safe and supportive environment for young athletes to flourish. The rescheduled Grand Final promises to be a spectacular display of athleticism and a fitting tribute to the late Pascal Dozie, whose legacy continues to inspire initiatives that empower Nigerian youth.
