The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with SRHD Sports Management, is gearing up to transform Calabar into a premier skating destination as it prepares to host the second edition of the African Skating Championship, known as Skate-a-thon 2025. The event, set to take place in April next year, promises to bring a thrilling experience to the state’s capital.
CEO of SRHD Sports Management, Daniel Damola, revealed that the championship is slated for April 17–19, drawing an estimated 2,000 skaters from across Africa. He emphasized that beyond the excitement of the competition, the event is poised to provide a significant economic boost to Cross River State and stimulate tourism.
“Skate-a-thon 2025 presents a remarkable economic opportunity for both Cross River and Nigeria at large,” Damola stated. “With over 2,000 skaters from within and beyond the country, the championship will open up various job opportunities and business prospects.”
Aside from its financial impact, the championship aims to highlight Calabar’s breathtaking scenery and peaceful environment, attracting visitors eager to experience both the sporting spectacle and the city’s cultural attractions.
Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his dedication to fostering a supportive atmosphere for sports growth and development in the state.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Agnes Atsu, noted that the long-term vision is to nurture local skating talents capable of representing Nigeria on global platforms.
“Skating is inherently thrilling, and this championship will be no exception,” Atsu remarked. “Spectators can expect an action-packed event with exciting prizes up for grabs. More importantly, we are eager to see our homegrown skaters not only claim victory at the competition but also go on to represent Nigeria internationally.”
