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The Foundation President of the Rangers International Football Club (Rifc), the Coach Ebere Amraiizu, underlined the importance of mental health in sports, inviting administrators to give priority to the mental, psychological, emotional and social well -being of athletes to improve performance and productivity.
Speaking in Owerri on Saturday 7 June 2025, during the inaugural edition of the Sports Icon Awards, organized by Silverbird Communications – owners of Wakawaka Sports Extra: the Coach Amraizu urged the interested parties to go beyond just focusing on the technical and tactical skills of the athletes.
The awarding event, which took place at the City Cruz Hotel in Owerri, in the state of IMO, recognized key figures that have contributed immensely to sports development in Nigeria. Amraizu, who is also the main consultant at the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, held the main address during the ceremony.
He applauded the organizers and praised the CEO of Silverbird Communications, Kennedy Onwunali, in particular, for starting a platform that often honors Nigerian sports collaborators.
The era to rely exclusively on technical skills is over. Athletes and coaches need a solid psychological and emotional balance to thrive, “said Amraizu.” Mental health affects all of us. When he has priority, we become more productive and able to live life to the fullest. “
He highlighted the current efforts by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation in promoting mental health education, in particular within the sports community. “We are proud of our work in mental health education and its relevance cannot be overrated by the life of athletes, coaches and sports administrators,” he added.
Amarazu also underlined the alignment between the objectives of the Rifc Foundation and the United Nations 3 Sustainable Development Foundation, which underlines good health and well -being. He noticed the strong partnership between the Rifc Foundation and Cope and Live Foundation, describing self -awareness in mental health as a vital starting point for personal and professional success.
“Before becoming anything in life, you must first be a human being. Self -awareness unlocks potential and increases performance,” he said.
On the broadest role of sport in society, Amaraizu described it as a “holistic tool” that promotes social inclusion, resilience of the community, gender equality and the rule of law. “Sports responds to everything,” he said. “It is governed by the rules, promotes peace and offers socio-economic benefits”.
Prize
The event also characterized the presentation of the prizes to several deserving sports figures and collaborators. Among the recipients were:
Coach Dan Anyiam -Premio Evergreen,
Dr. Patrick Ekeji-Partfinder Sports Administration Award
Monimichelle- mr. EBI-EGBE-Iconic Sports Facility Manager Award
MR. Andrew Ekejiubba- Sports Award
Hon Innocnet Onwubiko-Sports Achievers Award
Capo Kachi Atum – Award Sports Achievers
Ms. Sabina Chikere – Award Sports Achievers Award
PMC OKEKE – Basic sports developers award
The elderly Theodor Tasie-
Special recognition prize
MR. Bahama oparaanazie – Life Time Achievement Award
Coach Nelly Orisakwe/Harmony Chidi – Young AceHIEVERS Award
Comos Chukwuemeka – Young Sports Administrator Award
COPE & LIVE FOUNDATION/EBERE AMARAZUU – Sports Foundation Award
MR. Charles Duruaku – Award Sports Achievers Award
Desire oparanzie – Sports Achievers Awardr.
Dr Kachi Nwoga – Prize for Sports Initiative
Dr. Osondu Martins Ibegbu – Sports Autiever Award
Mgbenwelu Ndidi Henry coach.
Basic developer prize.
ACHIEVEMENT SPORTS MUSA KIDA Award.
Hon Obinna Onyeocha
The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has also been honored for its only Multi-Sport psychosocial involvement programs for athletes and coaches.
The Sports Icon Awards celebrated the lasting inheritance of the collaborators of the sports excellence of Nigeria and strengthened the message that real performances begin with a healthy mind.
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