The 8th Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays, an annual intercollegiate athletics event, will feature enhanced rewards for medalists. Organizers have announced that all gold, silver, and bronze winners will receive specially branded beverage cups, a new incentive aimed at motivating young athletes.
This initiative marks the first time that all podium finishers will be recognized in this way, alongside the traditional souvenir packages provided to participants. The expanded reward scheme aims to further entice secondary schools to participate in the competition.
In addition to the new cups, outstanding athletes in both boys’ and girls’ categories will be eligible for additional prizes. Further, the school recognized for the best march-past display will also receive a reward. The competition continues to support schools by covering transportation, accommodation, and feeding costs for invited institutions.
The GCU Relays has a legacy of academic support, with former winners of the Victor and Victrix Ludorum honors benefiting from scholarships initiated under the leadership of former PGWW President-General, Charles Majoroh. His successor, HRM Albert Akpomudje, SAN, has maintained this tradition of celebrating young talents.
Over the years, the GCU Relays has successfully attracted several schools that have claimed overall honours, including Government College Ughelli, Hussey College Warri, Urhobo College Effurun, Afiesere Secondary School, and Federal Government College Warri. The competition’s influence has also spread beyond Delta State, with schools such as Igbobi College, Lagos, participating since the inaugural event, setting a precedent for national inclusion.
Launched to renew the competitive spirit that once characterized secondary school athletics in Nigeria, the GCU Relays effectively combines competition, talent recognition, and development to strengthen the future of the sport.
