At least, 156 soldiers are participating in the Inter-Formation Sports Competition organized by 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, an official said.
AVM Stephen Onuh, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Yenagoa, said at the opening of the competition in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He said that participants consisting of 150 soldiers and six officers were drawn from formations and units under the division.
Onuh said: “The competition is aimed at improving team spirit and endurance while promoting esprit de’ corps among troops of the division.
“It will also afford the division the opportunity to select its sportsmen and women to compete in future division and army competitions.”
Represented by Okechukwu Ntukogu, the command’s Chief of Staff, Onuh urged participants to avoid using performance enhancing drugs in the competition.
He said: “The competition which will last for four-days will feature football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, table tennis, among others.
“Soldiers should showcase sportsmanship and avoid winning at all cost mentality. This is not the essence of the competition.”
Onuh called on the competition’s organising committee and referees to ensure free and fair officiating of the matches.
Also speaking, Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, the Division’s General Officer Commanding, said the competition was part of training programmes lined up for the troops and would help identify those to represent the division at the Nigerian Army Sports Week later in the year.
Yusuf said: “I urged participants to give their best collectively and individually and exhibit spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 2 Brigade, Uyo; 16 Brigade, Yenagoa; 56 Signal Brigade; 46 Engineer Brigade and 6 Division Garrison are participating in the competition.
