{
  "id": 9468547,
  "title": "GCU Relays Calls for Entries, Seeks Sponsors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/gcu-relays-calls-for-entries-seeks-sponsors",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T02:24:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/24/gcu-relays-calls-for-entries-seeks-sponsors/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The annual Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays has launched a call for entries, marking the start of preparations for its eighth edition scheduled for November 14th, 2026. The event, aimed at secondary schools across Nigeria, is expected to feature a competitive yet healthy sports rivalry. While the event is invitation-based, organisers have indicated that interested schools may still be invited.\n\nPast editions have seen notable performances from schools like Novena University Staff School, Kwale and Yewa College, Ilaro. One such standout was Yewa College's speedster, Sunday Akintan, who set a 100m record in the second edition, a record yet to be broken in the last nine years.\n\nGovernment Secondary School Kaduna has expressed early interest in participating. Organisers have already begun preparations, reconstituting sub-committees and seeking entries and confirmation of participation. Facilities such as the Tartan Tracks and Houses, or hostels, are also undergoing renovation and refurbishment. The renovated Forcados House, set to accommodate athletes and officials, will be the first of its kind, named in honor of Dr. Alfred Okoigun, Chairman of Arco Group.\n\nNavy Commodore (Rtd) Omatseye Nesiama, who officiated at the Ughelli InterCollegiate just days before the GCU Relays, will serve as the International Starter for the event. The GCU Relays, under the auspices of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association, aims to reignite and elevate sports competition among secondary schools across Nigeria. The drive for sponsorships to ensure the success of the GCU Relays has also commenced.",
  "summary": "With the resumption of secondary schools nationwide, organisers of the annual Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays have called for entries with regard to the eighth edition confirmed for November 14th, 2026.",
  "key_points": [
    "GCU Relays announces 8th edition for November 14, 2026",
    "Past schools like Yewa College and Government Secondary School Kaduna have notable records",
    "Organizers seek entries, sponsors, and renovations for event facilities"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The call for entries and sponsors for the GCU Relays signals a renewed push to elevate sports competition among Nigerian secondary schools, with organisers seeking to build on past successes.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}