Executive Chairman, Edo Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, on Thursday inaugurated a nine-member board for the state Baseball and Softball Association with a charge to strengthen grassroots sports development.
The new board is chaired by Imonikhe John Peter with Caroline Shodunola as Vice Chairman.
Other members are Iyamu Orobosa, Ada Aitalegbe as Mental Health Consultant, Yinka Fabunmi, Mercy Oside, Simpa Aaron, Osahon Osayamwen as Media Officer, and Obaraye Osakpamwan.
Inaugurating the board, Enabulele said the Commission carefully selected men and women of “proven character and integrity in the sports sector.”
He urged them to sustain the “catch-them-young” principle and work hard to grow the sports across Edo.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our collective journey to strengthen and elevate the standard of sports in our state.
“As chairman, you carry a big responsibility. Explore sponsorship opportunities because financial support is the lifewire of sustainable sports development.
“Also, make yourselves accessible to athletes, coaches, and stakeholders to foster unity and accountability,” he said.
He announced that quarterly appraisal meetings between the sports commission and association members would be instituted to track progress and tackle challenges.
He commended the association’s efforts so far, recalling the outstanding performance of Edo’s junior team during the zonal elimination games in Uyo.
“I was amazed to see athletes as young as seven and eight competing with such skill. It convinced me that the future is bright.
“Catching them young is exactly what we want in Edo,” he said, adding that Gov. Monday Okpebholo had mandated grassroots sports development as a core priority.
Responding, the newly inaugurated chairman, Prince Peter, expressed gratitude to Gov. Okpebholo and Enabulele for the confidence reposed in the board.
“This appointment is not just an honour but a call to duty,” he said.
“We will work closely with the sports commission and state government to take baseball and softball to greater heights.
“Our board will establish a befitting Baseball Park in Edo and spread the games across the three senatorial districts through regular coaching clinics.
