At the ongoing tournament organized by Youth Region 8 of the Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministry (MFM) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, three of the eight teams have qualified for the Semi-Final stage.
Olomore, Elega and Asero Youths Church teams defeated Lafenwa, Kuto and Sabo teams respectively during a kick out stage on Monday and Tuesday, held at the Mudasiru Lawal Stadium, Asero, Abeokuta.
The MFM Youth Region 8 had facilitated the Tournament which comprised varied sporting games; Table Tennis, Badminton, Track events, while Table Tennis Female Single which was played as part of the opening games, was won by Youth Region 8 while Lafenwa and FCE Osiele grabbed second and third positions respectively.
NewsWheeler reports that the Male Tennis and the Mixed Double as well as Badminton would be played on Wednesday, 27th October at the same venue.
The Chairman organizing committee of the competition, Pastor Olakunle Salami of MFM Youth Region 8 stated that fulfilling the intended purpose of the tournament after several months of planning and perfecting of plans makes him happy.
Speaking further, Pastor Salami added that the competition is only for church members who are sports’ lovers as it’s aimed at helping the youths in the church to be gainfully engaged, with the aim of bonding the youths together and get them engaged in the face of the prolonged ASUU strike.
I am highly impressed because it’s been a long while that we have been looking for a strategic way of bonding the youths together and get them engaged.
When we realised that the seemingly unending ASUU strike may have adverse effect on the youths, we felt that there should be away to engage the youths such that they would be able to exhibit their skills. and that was what led to organizing this competition.
“We berthed the idea here in Youth Region 8 Abeokuta about three months ago and gained the cooperation of the Youths Fellowship in the whole of the Sixteen units under the region.
“To guard against the use of marcenary, we merged two or more churches who couldn’t have a complete team from among their church members like in the case of Gbonagun and Olomore.
“From the matches played so far, some extra-talented players have been spotted. While the tournament by extension serves as a form of evangelism for non-members to find their way into the churches, it’s our hope that those who scout for players would get potentials among the youths before the Final on Saturday.
“You know whatever the level of success we are able to achieve through this tournament, it’s to compliment the grand initiative of our father in the Lord, Dr. D.K. Olukoya who had instituted a mega team for the Ministry; I am sure you have all heard about MFM FC that have been doing well in the Nigeria Football League (NPL).
I commend the efforts of the Regional Overseers and the Council of the Mega region council who stood by us and provided the needed structure and support in ensuring the successful take off of this competition.
“The Body of Council helped us in paying for the jersey. The football and other things were sourced by the youth churches under Region 8.
“While we didn’t bother the parents in the churches for any financial support, individuals who have the wherewithal may choose to assist.
“We have bought medals; three categories. They would get certificate of participation, also for the officiating ministers. We also have trophies to be presented to the Winner, the runner-up and the third position”, Pastor Salami stated.