Organisers of the eighth Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays have opened entries for interested secondary schools and launched a sponsorship drive ahead of the November 14 event.
The annual inter-school athletics competition is traditionally staged by invitation, but organisers said schools that show a strong desire to participate can also be considered.
Novena University Staff School, Kwale, and Yewa College, Ilaro, are among schools that have previously entered through the window and posted impressive performances. Yewa College sprinter Sunday Akintan dominated the second edition and set a 100m record that still stands. Government Secondary School, Kaduna, has already indicated interest in the 2026 edition.
Organisers have also reconstituted sub-committees, confirmed the date and begun upgrading facilities at Government College Ughelli. The school’s tartan track and accommodation are undergoing renovation.
Sapele and School Houses have traditionally lodged the boys and girls respectively. The newly rebuilt Forcados House, now nearing completion, is expected to provide extra accommodation for athletes and officials for the first time. It was rebuilt in honour of Arco Group Chairman, Dr Alfred Okoigun.
Navy Commodore (Rtd) Omatseye Nesiama will start the eighth edition. He is expected to officiate as an International Starter for athletics at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, scheduled for November 6-10, days before the GCU Relays.
The event is anchored on the objective of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association to revive and strengthen sporting rivalry among secondary schools nationwide and create opportunities for young athletes.
Organisers called on individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to sponsor the competition, saying such support will help sustain it and strengthen its role in identifying and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of athletics talents.