Calabar readies to host 66th All-Nigeria Athletics Championships

The Cross-River state government has appointed the deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, as the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 66th Cross River State/All-Nigeria Athletics Championships which holds June 21-23, 2012 in Calabar, the state capital.

Other members of the LOC are: the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Ugbe; the state director of sports, the state security adviser, office of the chief of staff to the governor, the state chief of protocol as well as the consultant on sports to the state, former international track and field star, Bruce Ijirigho.

The Committee is charged with the responsibility of organizing a world class championship in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Commissioner for Sports, Patrick Ugbe disclosed that the committee is determined to host a championship that will serve as the benchmark for future championships.

''His Excellency, Governor Liyel Imoke wants the LOC to organize a world class event and that is why he named the deputy governor as the head of the committee," said Ugbe.

"This is a clear demonstration of His Excellency's resolve that the culture of excellence his administration has been known for is sustained."

Ugbe also pointed out that the committee has been meeting, mapping out plans for a hitch-free and successful event.

''There are various sub-committees set up to ensure every detail of the championship is covered. The championship is the biggest in the calendar of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and it is used annually to select Nigeria's representatives to various international championships and games.”

This year's edition will be used to select the Nigerian track and field team to this summer's Olympic Games in London.