_Gov’t expands tournament to keep retired athletes active, build grassroots pipeline.
By Nkoyo Etim
The Cross River State Government is using golf to rewrite retirement for veteran athletes. At the 2nd Prince Otu Veteran Golf Tournament in Calabar, officials said the initiative is designed to promote healthy ageing, rebuild social bonds, and keep retired sportsmen and Women active.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu, Special Adviser on Sports Development Ntufam Ekanem Ekpeyong said the tournament goes beyond competition. “It’s about bringing retirees back into active living. Those who normally wouldn’t come out are showing up. It helps them and keeps them alive,” he stated at Calabar Golf Club.
Ekpeyong linked retirement from sports to health risks, stressing that physical activity remains critical post-career. “When you retire from sports, health complications set in. If you stop completely, there’s no way you can be better,” he said.
The government plans to scale up future editions with more participants, communities, and sport categories. Grassroots development is also on the agenda, with focus on primary and secondary school competitions to spot young talent early. “Without primary and secondary schools, there can’t be sports. You don’t start in secondary school. You start in primary,” the adviser added.
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*Veterans, stakeholders hail the move*
Calabar Golf Club Course Officer Dr. Paul Ebiala called it a first-of-its-kind effort in the state. “It has never happened before — a governor and Sports Commission floating a tournament for veterans across sports. It’s commendable,” he said.
Ebiala said golf’s strength is inclusion. “Golf doesn’t look at zone or status. Anybody can play.” He urged more slots for women veterans and asked government to invest in maintaining the Calabar Golf Course, which he described as a tourism and economic asset.
Former Military Administrator of Kwara State, H. E. Col. Peter Asam Mbu “PAM” Ogar, also praised the recognition for veterans. “Society must appreciate those who built sports while inspiring the next generation,” he said. He urged youths to develop their talents: “Any game God blessed you with, play it to the maximum.”
The tournament brought together veteran golfers and stakeholders as Cross River pushes inclusion, healthy living, and long-term sports development under Governor Otu’s administration.
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