Brazil’s legendary footballer, Edson Arantes do Nascimento,
known as Pele, will be in Nigeria next month as part of activities marking the
WJS/YEDA programme meant to empower and develop the youth.
The event, fixed for August 11 and 12, will see The Winihin
Jemide Series (WJS) and Youth Experience Days Africa (YEDA), facilitating the
‘WJS/YEDA Legend Edition 2016’ where Pele is expected to feature.
The organisers say the event is focused on youth development
and empowerment through a once-in-a-lifetime inspiring experience with Pele.
The event will involve football-loving teenagers and parents, key figures from
various state government, the corporate sector and the Nigerian Football
Federation (NFF).
This event will include; a sports clinic (legend tournament),
a Gala night with Pele and other African football legends; including an auction
of Pele memorabilia at the Gala night. Proceeds from the auction will be
donated to an eligible local youth football academy.
Pele is renowned for many achievements including scoring
1,281 goals in his professional career, receiving an honorary knighthood from
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, named
"Athlete of the Century” and "Player of the
Century,” by the International Olympic Committee and FIFA respectively, among
others.
This is will be Pele’s second visit to Nigeria; the first in
1967, was occasioned by a two-day cease fire during the Nigerian Civil War,
which allowed the warring sides to watch the Pele and Santos team play an
exhibition match in Lagos.
The WJS is an organisation, which provides engaging platforms
to facilitate deeper understandings, through conversations that drive nation building
consciousness, gender inclusiveness, community development, youth empowerment and
ultimately transformative thinking.
Youth Experience Days Africa (YEDA) is structured to
identify, encourage and develop high- potential youth who become responsible
citizens of society as well as ascend to
leadership positions within various sectors of the
economy/society.
No comments:
Post a Comment