By Amaka Isikala
St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Agulu, has emerged overall champion of the 2026 Awka Diocesan Sports Competition, Boys Category, which brought together 21 Catholic secondary schools at St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive (Technical) Secondary School (SMMCSS), Nimo.
The five day competition, held from Oct. 19 to 23, featured various sporting activities aimed at discovering young talents, promoting discipline and teamwork, and strengthening friendship among students across the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
The Principal of SMMCSS Nimo, Rev. Fr. Denis Nwabueze, commended the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, for his support towards the successful hosting of the event.
Fr. Nwabueze particularly appreciated the bishop’s approval and intervention in providing improved accommodation for participants, describing the support as important to the smooth running of the five day programme.
In the overall medal standings, St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Agulu, clinched the Victor Ludorum award with eight gold medals, alongside other medals. The second placed school won seven gold medals, while the host school, SMMCSS Nimo, finished third with five gold medals and additional medals.
In football, St. Paul Secondary School, Achalla, defeated St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Agulu, to emerge champions, adding another highlight to the competition.
The host school distinguished itself in Scrabble, recording an impressive 1,797 points against 904 points by the runner up.
Beyond the sporting contests, the event provided students with opportunities to build relationships, learn teamwork and develop healthy competitive attitudes. Participants enjoyed residential accommodation, meals, regular electricity supply and social evenings during the competition.
The programme incorporated spiritual activities, including daily holy mass and the sacrament of reconciliation, administered with the support of five priests, reinforcing the catholic emphasis on character formation alongside academic and sporting development.
Fr. Nwabueze expressed appreciation to the Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Angelo Obiakor; the Regional Education Secretary and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ibenegbu; the Diocesan Sports Director, Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike; and the committee’s secretary, Rev. Fr. Augustine Igwebueke, for their contributions to the successful organisation of the event.
He praised the organising committee for its coordination of the sporting activities and evening programmes, particularly Scrabble and Chess, acknowledging the participating priests, school administrators, coaches and directors of sports for their dedication and support.
The Principal recognised the contributions of the former Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, who initiated the competition, as well as the Nimo community, including its traditional ruler and President General, and the security agencies for helping to ensure a peaceful event.
The competition concluded with a celebration of sporting excellence, fellowship and shared achievement, highlighting the importance of inter school sports in nurturing talent, building character and strengthening unity among catholic secondary schools in Awka Diocese.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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