Uyo Hosts Experiential Flag Run as MTN Champs Grand Final Begins
On Monday May 5, the city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, hosted an experiential MTN Champs grand final flag run ahead of the 4-day track and field competition slated to hold between May 6 to May 9 at the Godswill Akapbio International stadium.
The flag run was a symbolic relay through the heart of Uyo, featuring athletes who will carry the official MTN CHAMPS flag across major city landmarks, from the Government House to major roads like Wellington Bassey, Ring Road, Oron Road, the Uyo plaza and finally the Godswill Akapbio stadium, where the flag was received by Team MVP athletes who did the official handover to key MTN execs.
Declaring the flag run open, the Commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom state, Elder Paul Bassey, spoke on behalf of the Akwa Ibom state government, saying, “We identify fully with this competition that is aimed at nurturing and developing talents, especially in Nigeria. We appreciate the MTN for backing this competition, and all those involved in making this a success.” In line with the tourism angle of this flag run, he further encouraged visitors present to enjoy the hospitality of the state.
The flag run was designed to spotlight the Uyo city and build momentum for the championship, with a vibrant atmosphere of unity, energy, and celebration, as a wave of MTN yellow sweeps through the city. It featured local athletes from the state running short distances, exchanging the MTN Champs flag along the way in a showcase of the spirit of youth empowerment, sportsmanship, and community development that MTN CHAMPS stands for. A convoy of cars featuring MTN, logistics, road safety and road safety followed these athletes behind, while a decorated bus blasted music with athletic skaters dashing across the street, performing stunts and thrilling onlookers along the way.
On the vision behind MTN Champs, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), MTN Nigeria, had said, “MTN Champs is a platform that continues to grow, transform and inspire the future of athletes and athletics in Nigeria. At remain committed to supporting the dreams and aspirations of Nigeria, not only through innovative products, but involvement in socially impactful initiatives in football and athletics.”
MTN Champs is Nigeria’s largest grassroots sports competition, aimed at discovering and developing local athletic talent. With over 2,000 athletes expected to compete and the unveiled Team MVP set to feature, the MTN CHAMPS Grand Finale in Uyo promises to be the most exciting edition yet.
