FIRM SPONSORS FOOTBALL COMPETITION TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING

A pharmaceutical company, Patricklingo Pharmaceutical Limited, has sponsored a football tournament aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles as a preventive measure for families and communities across Anambra State.

The tournament tagged, ‘2026 Chaka Pain Anambra All Stars Game’, held in conjunction with Anambra State Football Association, which began on Sunday, underscored the importance of engaging in sporting activities as an essential tool for preventing diseases and maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the tournament at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Chief Patrick Onwuelingo, disclosed N3.5 million prize money as the financial package, adding that while the winners of the tournament would receive the sum of N2m, the first runner-up would receive N1m while the second runner-up would go home with N500,000.

Onwuelingo, represented by Chief Chinenye Ezeagu, said the pharmaceutical company sponsored the tournament with the aim of encouraging healthy lifestyles, adding that matches would be played in selected venues across the state.

He said, “When this idea was presented to us, we did not see just another football tournament.

We saw an opportunity to promote healthy living, strengthen community bonds, and remind people that age should never be a barrier to living an active and fulfilling life.

“Looking at the players gathered here today, I do not just see footballers. I see fathers, entrepreneurs, professionals, artisans, public servants, and respected members of our communities.

“I also see men who have chosen not to let age define their strength, their passion, or their ability to inspire others. That is something worth celebrating.

“At Patricklingo Pharmaceutical Limited, we believe that our responsibility goes beyond producing medicines. We believe in supporting initiatives that help people stay healthy. Good health begins with the choices we make every day. It begins with staying active, taking care of ourselves, looking out for one another, and building stronger communities.”

According to him, the firm committed a “prize pool” worthy of the commitment the participating teams have shown, to ensure the tournament reflects excellence.

He said the prizes are not simply rewards for winning matches, but to recognise dedication, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship and reflecting the firm’s commitment to supporting community football and encouraging initiatives that bring people together.

In his speech, the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Agha Mba, represented by the Chairman of the Anambra State FA, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for investing in sports development.

He also thanked the pharmaceutical company for sponsoring the tournament, saying that the sports ministry would keeping doing its best to promote sports development in the state.