NAN-S-16
Scrabble
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, June 5, 2017 (NAN) Victor Owokere, Secretary of Akwa Ibom State Scrabble Association, on Monday in Abuja said the Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics has helped to develop the sport in Nigeria.
Owokere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the classics had helped to move Nigeria from being African champions to world scrabble champions.
Disclosing that the classics’ ninth edition would hold from Sept. 28 to Sept. 30 in Uyo, Owokere said it was an international classics which involves the world’s best scrabble players.
“Presently, the classics is the most prestigious scrabble event in the world, and the 2017 edition will involve scrabble players worldwide.
“And this is why the star prize of 10,000 dollars is big, compared to that of the last world championships,’’ he said.
Owokere said the 2017 edition of the classics would feature competition in the three categories of the Masters, opens and the veterans.
“I have been very impressed with the preparations that have been going on.
“The event has been getting better every day. Nigeria has moved from being African champions to world champions and I believe it is as a result of the classics.
“I want to say that it is the best thing that has ever happened to scrabble in Nigeria.
“I therefore thank Sen. Godswill Akpabio for his contribution to the growth of scrabble in not just Akwa Ibom and Nigeria but the world at large,’’ he said.
NAN reports that Nigeria has won 12 of the past 13 editions of the African Scrabble Championship and is presently the world scrabble champion.(NAN)
DE/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)