Calabar – The recently concluded International Skating Championship, “Skate-a-Thon Calabar 2024,” witnessed a flurry of thrilling competitions and remarkable performances from skaters across Nigeria and beyond. Organized by SRHD Sports Management in collaboration with the Nigeria Inline Skating Federation (NISF) and the Cross River State Sports Commission, the two-day event held on 14th and 15th June, 2024, showcased a wide range of skating disciplines, drawing significant participation and enthusiasm.
The championship kicked off with a series of exhilarating events on 14th June at the U.J. Esuene Sports Stadium’s Indoor Hall. Competitions included Roller Hockey, Roller Derby, 3000-meter and 5000-meter races for U-17 categories, Ramp Jump Skateboarding Freestyle, Artistry Roller Skating, Unbroken Train Movement, Skate Dance Choreography, and Long Jump. The performances were a testament to the high level of skill and dedication among the participants.
The second day featured the highly anticipated Road Skate Marathon, which saw participants take to the streets for a grueling 42 km marathon for males and a 21 km marathon for females. In the Full Marathon 42km category, Oke Itunu Joseph from Lagos emerged victorious, clinching the first place, followed by Kelvin Vitalis from Rivers in second place, and Gideon Omotayo from Oyo securing third place.
In the Half Marathon 21km (female) category, Lucy Moses from FCT claimed the top spot, with Rosea Sayi, also from FCT, finishing second, and Rosemary David from Taraba taking third place. The 3000 meter race saw Hauwa Ibrahim from FCT winning first place, followed by Lucy Moses in second, and Rosemary David in third place.
Other notable victories included Babakamikun Oladeinde Osokoya from Oyo, who dominated the High Jump category, and Abdulazeez Habeeb from Oyo, who excelled in the Long Jump event. The Roller Hockey Interstate/International category was won by Benin Republic, with Ghana and Nigeria taking second and third places, respectively.
The championship also featured a competitive Roller Soccer Interstate event, where Oyo State (Ibadan) emerged as the winner, followed by Abuja (FCT) in second place, and Nasarawa State (Lafiya) in third. In the 5000 Metres Under 17 boys category, Faiza Abdulkarim from Kano clinched first place, while Amina Mohammed from Jos and Akinwande Sheriff from Uyo secured second and third places, respectively.
The Speed Slalom Officials category saw Benin Republic taking first place, with Ghana and Nigeria (FCT) following in second and third places. In the 1500 Metres age 4-10 category, Big Daddy from FCT emerged victorious, with Abdulkadir Abdulkarim from Kano and Baby Ismaila from Nasarawa finishing in second and third places. The 1000 Metres Children Age 4-10 interstate event was won by Taraba, with FCT and Kano securing second and third places.
The governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, lauded the event, highlighting its historical significance and the positive impact on the state’s sporting activities. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to promoting sports and expressed optimism that the tournament would become a staple in the state’s annual sports calendar.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Agnes Atsu, announced that the tournament would be held yearly starting from 2025, with 2nd August designated as the official date for the skating tournament in the state. Event organizer Daniel Damola also noted the tournament’s role in engaging the youth and fostering positive activities.
The Skate-a-Thon Calabar 2024 attracted participants from five African countries and over 20 states in Nigeria, driving significant economic activities in Calabar. The event led to increased bookings in hotels, busy transport services, and a surge in business for local eateries, printers, event planners, ushers, and media groups, among others.
The championship not only showcased the best of skating talent and athleticism but also underscored the vibrant sporting culture and economic potential of Cross River State. Skating enthusiasts and sports lovers are already looking forward to the next edition, which promises to be even more exciting and impactful.
