The inaugural edition of the U-23 Economic Community of West Africa, ECOWAS, Games began yesterday in Abuja with a total of twelve nations in the sub-region ready to vie for honours in four events.

The four events that would be competed for between September 2 to 13 at the Abuja National Stadium are athletics, handball, volleyball and traditional African Wrestling.

Addressing the press yesterday in Abuja, the chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, MOC, Mr. Peter Nelson said everything that is needed for hitch-free Games has been put in place by the host country.

He said to ensure effective co-ordination of the Games; nine sub-committees have been constituted and are working together with members of the LOC in ensuring that things are put in proper shape for successful hosting of the Games.

Nelson disclosed that the hosting right for the first ECOWAS Youths Games was awarded to Nigeria on May 17 in Dakar, Senegal at the meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in charge of Youths and Sports.

He said " the Games is being organized in line with the ECOWAS VISION 2020 with the aims and objectives of fostering unity among West Africa Sub-Region, creating a special time for young people within ECOWAS Community to mingle, contributing to integrating stakeholders in West Africa sporting arena, offering member countries an extra opportunity to build their future sporting elite, enhancing economic activities linked to sports and contributing to strengthening the feeling of belonging to the same community".

Meanwhile, Chairman of media sub-committee, Mr. Tony Ohaeri said arrangements have been concluded form mass mobilization of Abuja residents who are expected to come out in large numbers to support the athletes.

He hinted that schools in Abuja have been contacted to mobilize their students to the stadium since the event is about youths who are below the age of 23.

"We are also doing something about mobilization of residents so that they will come to the stadium and give support to the athletes. In addition, we have made arrangements with schools in Abuja to organize their students to come to the stadium to be part of the event since it is about youths.

Ohaeri said there would be no dull moments as everything has been put in place by the LOC for highly successful games.