The host of the next edition of West African University Games (WAUG), University of Port Harcourt, has promised to organize a memorable game that will set standards for future games.

The institution also called on government at all levels, Corporate Nigeria and philanthropists to support the school in her bid to host the best WAUG ever.

A statement by the school’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ndowa Lale, said winning the right to host the games called for meticulous planning and painstaking execution so as to pull off a memorable competition that would further confirm Uniport’s standing as the undisputed masters of sports on the West African Coast.

Professor Lale said Uniport has a rich pedigree of hosting successful games which dates back to 1988 when the university hosted the 1988 edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), and hosting the nation tertiary games again in 2004.

Mr. Lale said the institution places high premium on sports which is why it has invested heavily in facilities and equipment, “we are the first University in West Africa to construct the new Myrtha swimming pool technology, we have consistently remained the number one university in sports in Nigeria and West Africa. We currently host the only IAAF/CAC High Performance Center for English speaking West African countries where athletes participating in major games and championships receive coaching tutorials’’

Mr. Lale urged government at all levels, corporate Nigeria and philanthropists to join hands with the university to host the best WAUG ever in Nigeria.

WAUG is the gathering of the best brains in West Africa, tomorrow’s leaders who combine academic and sporting excellence. Hosting a well-organized and successful game will make participants leave Nigeria with a positive impression which will shape their perception of Nigeria forever.

Mr. Lale also argued that investment in sports will boost the economy, engage youths, curb crime and boost tourism.