The 5th edition of the CLIMM Foundation South-East U-16 Track and Field Championship will take place on 17–18 October 2025 at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State.
One of the foundation’s founders, Lee Okoroafor, confirmed the date during an interview on Prime Sports Radio, Enugu, assuring that preparations are well on course.
He commended the Abia State Government for its growing support for grassroots sport.
“We must thank Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for Sports for their backing. It shows how much value is being placed on developing sports and young talents in the region,” Okoroafor said.
Anambra State emerged champions of last year’s edition, with hosts Abia finishing runners-up.
This year’s tournament will again draw athletes from the five South-East states – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo – competing.
The CLIMM Foundation says the competition goes beyond medals. Young athletes are also rewarded with stipends, skill acquisition funding and scholarships.
“One of our key mandates is combining athletics with education. If a child’s grades drop, we insist they improve or risk losing their place.
What we present to parents is a balance so these young athletes can study while competing, giving them something solid to fall back on,” Okoroafor explained.
Fellow founder Clement Chukwu, who joined the conversation via phone, expressed excitement ahead of the event.
“Through the Climm Foundation, we don’t just stop at spotting talent. We guide athletes on TOEFL and even assist with scholarship and visa processes. I remember using my link at Michigan University to help a young athlete secure a scholarship, they are always excited about discussions on supporting our athletes.,” he said.
Another stakeholder, Emeka Osagie, also stressed the importance of the foundation’s broader mission.
“It’s about more than medals. We are picking talents and helping youths stay away from social vices through scholarships and skills training,” he noted.
From Enugu, Eziokwu Uchenna, Deputy Director of Coaching at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, praised the CLIMM Foundation’s role in athlete development.
“The CLIMM Foundation has done remarkably well in uplifting young athletes in the South-East. Here in Enugu, some of our athletes have already benefitted from their scholarship schemes, which is a huge encouragement.”
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He added that Enugu is fully prepared for the upcoming event.
“We are fully prepared for the 5th edition, and some of the talents we discovered at the National Youth Games have now been incorporated into our team.”
Uchenna also highlighted the enthusiasm among young athletes.
“Interestingly, a few athletes from the last edition were eager to come back, but I had to remind them they are now over the age limit. That shows the passion this event is building among our youths,” he said.
The CLIMM Foundation is named after five South-East greats, Clement Chukwu, Lee Okorofor, Innocent Iheme, Mike Ukaha and Mba Uduma and was created to revive athletics in the region while nurturing the next generation of stars.
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Athletes will compete in track events such as the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m, alongside field events including the long jump, high jump and triple jump.
