MTN Nigeria, a leading ICT company, has further solidified its dedication to grassroots sports development by inducting 20 exceptional athletes into the inaugural cohort of the Making of Champions (MoC) Athletics Academy. The induction ceremony took place at MTN Plaza, the company’s headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, during a press conference.
These athletes, selected from the standout performers in MTN Champs Seasons 1 and 2, will be the first members of Team MTN to join the Academy. As part of MTN’s partnership with MoC, the athletes will benefit from world-class training facilities, expert coaching, and a comprehensive development program during their one-year residency at the Academy. The program is designed to enhance their skills and prepare them for international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
The MTN Champs initiative is aimed at nurturing young athletes who exhibit exceptional talent and potential across various athletic disciplines, including track and field, shot put, and jumping events.
Expressing his enthusiasm, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, stated, “We are incredibly proud to welcome these 20 remarkable athletes into the MoC Athletics Academy. Their exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to their sport are truly inspiring. The Academy will provide them with the support they need to reach their full potential and make a significant impact in their respective categories.”
Toriola added, “At MTN, our goal is to empower these athletes with the resources they need to achieve greatness and inspire the next generation. Their induction into the Academy symbolizes our collective journey and reflects our commitment to supporting their hard work and dedication. We look forward to the many medals they are sure to win at future Olympic Games.”
MTN’s investment in this initiative underscores the company’s broader mission to foster athletic excellence and reignite interest in athletics across Nigeria. The program has already made a significant impact, with several athletes achieving notable successes, including representation at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Eight MTN Champs Ambassadors competed across various events, with Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and Ruth Usoro reaching the finals in shot put and long jump, respectively. By grooming future Olympians, MTN is committed to playing a pivotal role in advancing sports and youth development in Nigeria.
Modelled after Jamaica’s renowned secondary championships, MTN Champs is a national track and field competition designed to identify and nurture Nigeria’s future Olympic champions. Since its inception in 2023, MTN Champs has discovered exceptional talent across seven Nigerian cities—Benin, Uyo, Ibadan, Abuja, Asaba, Jos, and Calabar—with over 15,000 athletes from 900 schools participating in the first two seasons.
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