GCU Relays Raises Stakes for Eighth Edition With New Rewards for Medal Winners
Oru Leonard
Organisers of the eighth edition of the Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays have introduced additional incentives for participating athletes, with all gold, silver and bronze medal winners set to receive specially branded beverage cups as part of an expanded reward package.
The new initiative represents an improvement on previous editions, extending special recognition to every athlete who finishes on the podium, irrespective of medal category. The customised gifts will complement the souvenir packages traditionally presented to participants.
The organisers said the enhanced reward structure is part of efforts to sustain interest in the annual intercollegiate athletics competition, encourage healthy rivalry among secondary schools and motivate young athletes to strive for excellence.
Beyond the new gifts, outstanding athletes in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will receive additional prizes, while the school that delivers the best march-past performance will also be recognised and rewarded.
In a further demonstration of their commitment to participation and inclusiveness, the organisers have maintained the all-expenses-paid arrangement for invited schools. The provision covers transportation, accommodation and feeding throughout the competition, removing the financial burden from participating institutions.
The GCU Relays has also maintained a tradition of supporting academic development alongside sporting excellence. Through the scholarship initiative introduced during the tenure of former PGWW President-General, Arc. Charles Majoroh, previous winners of the Victor and Victrix Ludorum awards have benefited from educational support.
The current PGWW President-General, HRM Albert Akpomudje, SAN, has sustained the initiative, reinforcing the competition’s commitment to recognising and rewarding exceptional young talents.
Over the years, the competition has provided a platform for several secondary schools to establish their dominance, with Government College Ughelli, Hussey College Warri, Urhobo College Effurun, Afiesere Secondary School and Federal Government College Warri among previous overall champions.
Its appeal has not been restricted to Delta State. The participation of Igbobi College, Lagos, in the inaugural edition demonstrated the organisers’ ambition to make the competition a broader platform for inter-school athletics.
Established to revive the competitive spirit and sporting rivalries that once characterised secondary school athletics in Nigeria, the GCU Relays has continued to evolve as a platform for grassroots talent discovery, youth development and the promotion of athletics.
With the introduction of additional rewards for the eighth edition, organisers are seeking to make the competition even more rewarding for young athletes while strengthening its contribution to the future of Nigerian athletics.
(Media Committee, 2026 GCU Relays)
