By Ugochukwu Iwucukwu
The first edition of the Rivers State National Kick Boxing and karate festival held at the Alfred Diete Spiff centre came to an end with Delta State winning the tournament.
In attendance during the Closing Ceremony was His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diete Spiff himself who presented awards to the winners of their respective events.
King Diete Spiff while speaking at the event commended the facilitator of the tournament Marco Purgatorio for his zeal to develop sport at the grassroots.
He said that such regular tournament will unearth new talents for Nigeria. Diete Spiff said that Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of talents but attributed poor scouting and funding as the bane of sports in the country.
The facilitator of the championship Marco Purgatorio said he will continue to contribute his quota in the development of sports in Nigeria.
He stated that the burning zeal and passion for the sport necessitated the hosting of the tournament.
In the main event of the closing ceremony, In Karate male event, Olorumbe Oluwaseun of team FCT defeated Tarsus Glen Adamu from Team Osun to cling gold.
In the female category, Elizabeth Komino of team Delta edged past Temidayo Abikoye from Team Bayelsa to cling the gold medal with Nkechi Okere of team Delta winning the bronze medal.
Trophies for overall team performance was awarded as team FCT came 3rd with ( two gold, 3silver)
In 2nd place was team Edo (3gold, 4silver, 1bronze)
And champions team Delta (7bronze, 4silver, 9gold medals)