By Charles Igwe, Obum Okakpu and Francis Ugwu
It was an electrifying and unforgettable experience yesterday at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, as young Catholic students across the Archdiocese of Onitsha gathered for the highly anticipated ONYCAS Sports Fiesta 2025, proudly sponsored by Sir Paul Chukwuma, Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate under the Young Progressives Party (YPP). The event, themed ReIMAGINE 9.0, was organized by the Onitsha Young Catholic Students (ONYCAS) and marked a historic day in the Diocese’s efforts to evangelize the youth through sports.
Mission schools from all corners of the archdiocese participated in a display of skill, determination, and brotherhood, competing in football and volleyball.
In the Senior Football category:
- 1st Position: Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha* – who claimed victory after a dominant 2-0 win over their Alor counterparts.
- 2nd Position: St. John’s Technical College, Alor
- 3rd Position: St. Patrick Secondary School, Ugwuagba, Obosi
In Junior Football:
- 1st Position: Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Fegge – narrowly edged out Crux Santa in a tense 2-1 match.
- 2nd Position: Crux Santa Secondary School, Nkpor
- 3rd Position: Charles Heery Technical College, Ogidi
In the Volleyball contest, the girls lit up the stage with fierce competition:
- 1st Position: St. Kizito Girls Secondary School, Umudioka– emerged champions after defeating St. Anthony’s in an all-Umudioka derby.
- 2nd Position: St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Umudioka
- 3rd Position: Queen of the Rosary College, Eziowelle
Every participating school received a certificate of participation, a testament to the event’s inclusive and formational approach.
Speaking to Trinitas Press, Rev. Fr. Valentine Ezumezu, chaplain of ONYCAS, explained the vision behind the fiesta:
“Our aim is to organize the young ones, to inspire them to make them see the future in confidence. People complain that children of nowadays are not well brought up — we ask, what tangible things are you doing to help them improve? ONYCAS is a platform to elevate the young children to a greater level — to blossom their talents.”
Also lending his voice, Rev. Fr. Francis Unegbu, Manager of St. John’s College Alor, whose team took second place in the senior football category, expressed pride in his students’ effort and spirit:
“The inspiration is to create a formational ground from sports — instilling the spirit of brotherhood, resilience, and unity through competition. The policy of ONYCAS is to evangelize through sports, starting from the cradle. We are committed to reviving this vision.
He further affirmed that next year’s edition promises to be even bigger, with more schools expected to participate and the sporting experience to be further enhanced.
The fiesta, anchored by the organization’s diocesan chaplain, Rev. Fr. Valentine Ezumezu, received widespread praise for its successful coordination and the infectious joy it brought to both players and spectators.
The 2025 ONYCAS Sports Fiesta has undoubtedly laid the marker for what promises to become a staple event in the diocesan calendar — where sports meet spirituality, and young minds are formed for greatness.
