BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
A former South-West zonal coordinator of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) Mr. Frank Ishekwene has lauded the grassroots sports initiative of Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church, Clegg, Surulere during the just concluded maiden edition of the Chess & Scrabble tournament.
The event organized by the Parish in honour of the late Sir & Lady J.U Obiorah ended on Sunday, November 10, 2024 inside the Church compound during the parish carnival which marked the end of the Church’s harvest programme for the year 2024.
Ishekwene, who is also a former board member of the Lagos State Scrabble Association spoke with the children shortly before they played in the finals of the event, and charged them to be focused and concentrate on the games because their future is bright.
“I have played scrabble for 35 years now and I am still playing” Ishekwene started. “Scrabble is a game that requires one being focused and it shares similarities with Chess”. “You are not at risk of injury playing any of these two games, and yet it is a game one can play for a long period of time and concentrate fully on your education”
“These games can take you to different parts of the world, and it could be places you would never have gone on your own”. “So I want you all to take these games seriously because there are lots of opportunities in sports and I believe that today you all have taken the right step towards tapping into those opportunities” he concluded.
The final game of the Scrabble championship for the first and second position was an all family affair, as two brothers (Emmanuel Ezike and George Ezike)from the same parent locked horns to determine who goes home with the most prestigious prize.
Emmanuel Ezike(12), garnered 106 points to become eventual champion over his 10-year-old brother George, who had 91 points, while in third position, Philip Makanju,(12) garnered 60 points to triumph over 9-year-old Ebube Ezeimo who finished fourth with 56 points.
In the Chess final, John Ezeani (14) won the first position after winning Chisom Eze (15) who came second, while Victor Nwabueze (16) won the third position after defeating David Chukwunyeru (11).
For the consolation games of the Chess championship, Kevin Nwabueze (13) defeated Gerald Ezinwa (13) to finish fifth and sixth position respectively.
Coordinator of the event Ikenna Obiliki, also confirmed that the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Simon Irabor has given his approval for all 10 players who participated in the finals of the event be presented with their awards on Sunday November 17, 2024 during the 8am Mass. They would be expected to attend the Mass alongside their parents.
