By Ikenna Nwokedi
The President of Jordan Nwora Foundation, Hon. Tony Nwora has informed that over thirty (30) kids are now playing professional basketball in the United States of America (USA) courtesy of the foundation.
Hon. Nwora made the disclosure during an interview with sports writers on Sunday, 23rd June 2024 at the Alex Ekwueme Square which hosted the fourth edition of Elite Basketball Camp bankrolled by Jordan Nwora Foundation for Boys and Girls.
Hon. Tony Nwora disclosed that the Elite Basketball camp has been a solid platform created to discover and nurture talented basketball players from the grassroots and hinterland as well as project them to limelight which has led to the discovery of more than thirty (30) players now playing in the USA on professional basis and embarking on their studies as well.
Hon. Nwora affirmed that the camp which usually holds in Onitsha, the home base of the Nworas, was brought down to Awka because of the enthusiasm shown by Gov. Soludo concerning his interest for the youths. He further disclosed that the foundation engaged and brought in coaches from America to upgrade their playing pattern for the game as well as teach them life long skills such as social skills, cleanliness and environmental health.
Hon. Nwora thanked Gov. Soludo for being a youth friendly governor who constantly seek to empower Anambra youths by enhancing their competence through skill acquisition and supporting sports programs in the state.
The new TC Chairman of Onitsha North LGA admonished the student-athletes to be consistent, dedicated and committed so as to achieve their dreams of playing the game at the biggest level and becoming role models for the future generation.
The three-day Elite Basketball Camp featured basketball open play contest among the players, All Stars contest, slam dunk contest, three points shooting, presentation of basketballs, presentation of kits to the young participants and certificate of participation to both players, officials and critical stakeholder for the project.
As part of the programme, awards were given to outstanding players in various categories, the Last Girl Standing award was bestowed on Akeraore Okeoghene, the Best 3 points shooter for the Girls went to Dickson Oghogho, Last Man Standing for the Boys was clinched by Ifeanyichukwu Emeka while the award for the Best 3 points shooter for the Boys went to Emeka Achusi.
The Best Slam Dunk contest prize was won by Aisosa Ajayi, the award for the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament for Girls went to Mirabel Egwuatu while that of the Boys category was claimed by Ifeanyichukwu Emeka.
Dignitaries who came to witness and endorse the camping programme were the Chief of Staff to the State Government, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi; Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), Hon. Patrick Estate Onyedum; Former D’Tigers Coach and Father of Jordan, Chief Alex Nwora; Commissioner of Youth Entrepreneurship and Mobilization, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba.
Others are Former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Nigerian Army 82 Division, Enugu, Maj. Gen. Shehu Yusuf (Rtd); President of the Federation of International Basketball (FIBA) Africa Zone 3 and member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) and MD of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ossy Onuko.
