MTN CHAMPS Winners Magaji and Ugonna Praise Event as Sponsors Award N20 Million
Participants at the Jos leg of the MTN CHAMPS athletics championship are still savoring their memorable experiences, which provided a platform to showcase their talents and earn significant prize money. Among them, Benjamin Magaji and Mercy Ugonna have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to balance their educational pursuits with their athletic dreams.
Massive Participation and Enhanced Rewards
The three-day event attracted approximately 20,000 athletes from over 500 schools across Nigeria, all competing for a share of the N20 million prize pool. MTN's Chief Customer Experience and Relations Officer, Ngonwa Nwoye, announced that this year's edition featured enhanced rewards to make the competition more appealing to participants.
In the individual category, winners received up to N2 million for first place, N1.5 million for second, N1 million for third, and N500,000 for fourth. For the school category, prizes ranged from N5 million for first place down to N500,000 for positions six through ten, with intermediate awards of N3 million, N2 million, N1.5 million, and N1 million for the other top spots.
Inspiring Performances Amid Challenges
Nwoye acknowledged the athletes' dedication, noting that many achieved personal bests despite facing challenging weather conditions during the event. She emphasized the inspiring nature of watching young competitors push themselves to their limits, even as some experienced disappointment.
Looking forward, Nwoye expressed excitement about the upcoming finals scheduled to be held in Ibadan and encouraged even greater participation from athletes nationwide.
Personal Reflections from Winners
Benjamin Magaji shared his elation at competing alongside the country's best rising athletes, stating that the MTN CHAMPS has given him a valuable platform to work toward stardom. He extended his thanks to the organizers and urged them to continue supporting young athletes in pursuing their dreams.
Mercy Ugonna also commended MTN for facilitating a balance between education and sports, allowing participants to chase their aspirations without compromise.
The event has not only provided financial rewards but also fostered a sense of community and motivation among Nigeria's youth athletes, setting the stage for future successes in both sports and academics.
