Estimated reading time: 11 minute(s)
By Onomiguren Agbamu
Hon. Commissioner for youth and sports development, Nasarawa state, Ambassador Lucky Isaac Yargwa has said the state government is fully committed to building sports infrastructures and supporting human resources development for optimum performance and healthy competition.
The Nasarawa state commissioner stated this on Saturday in Asaba during a press briefing at the ongoing Delta 22 National Sport Festival, at the Stephen Keshi stadium.
He admitted that the experience in the Delta 22 National Sports Festival is second to none and that it provides athletes opportunities to showcase what they have in talents and sports-wise.
He disclosed that team Nasarawa is appearing 11th times at the National Sports Festival since the creation of the State in 1996 and started participating at the Sports Festival in 1998.
He maintained that in the 2021 edition of the Sports Festival in Edo State, team Nasarawa won a total of 22 medals, which include 5 gold, four silver, and 13 bronze medals, and finished 18th out of 36 States and FCT, Abuja, on the medals’ table.
He added that only three states at of the 19 Northern states did better than Nasarawa in the previous edition of the sports festival.
According to him “from the 19 Northern States and FCT, Abuja, only three States(namely, Kano, Plateau and Kwara) and FCT Abuja, did better than us at the last edition of the Sports Festival, even though we went with fewer sports events”.
“Today, team Nasarawa came to Asaba with the largest number of contingent, comprising 181 athletes, 33 coaches, 8 referees, 27 sports secretaries, 20 accompanying officials, 2 medical personnel and 6 security details”.
“We are participating in 27 sporting events”.
“In all of these sports, we are very confident of surpassing our previous medal records”.
“Our sport-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, accorded us all the necessary support to ensure we excel at the Festival”
“So far, team Nasarawa has won three medals – one Silver from Para-Table Tennis and two coming from Taekwondo events(Poomsae Individual and Poomsae Team Event).
“I want to assure you that before the end of the Festival, team Nasarawa will be among the top ten highest medal-winning States”.
“As a State, our main focus is on the real stakeholders, that is the athletes and coaches.
“I also wish to disclose to you that our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has graciously redeemed the sum of 16.5 million pledge he made to athletes who won medals at last year’s Sports Festival in Edo State”.
“This is to further boost the morale of the athletes to redouble their efforts at this year’s edition of the Event”.
“The Governor is a firm believer in hard work and graciously rewards excellence, no matter where it is coming from”
“As a Government, we prioritize the welfare of our people, and we will continue to improve it to meet an acceptable global standard”
While commending the organizers of the Sports Festival, and Delta State Government, the Federal Government and Partners for ensuring that the Event doesn’t only hold, but meets the required standard.
That the facilities are wonderful, and the coordination is welcoming, and the hostel accommodation, especially for my contingent members.
“Even though you can’t guarantee a perfect Event, but I must say Delta State has fulfilled its promise of hosting a historic Sports Festival, and this is evident to everyone.
He urged the organizers to put search lights in and around Event Centres to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Sports Festival are not eroded by selfish stakeholders whose motive is to favour some States at the expense of others, probably due to pecuniary gains.
He advised that the rules and regulations guiding the competition must be stuck to and ensure that talents, irrespective of the State they come from, are discovered and be nurtured to represent the country at international sports meet.
Also, peaceful co-existence, love for one another and acceptance of social, cultural, religious and economic values should and must be preached because that’s why the Sports Festival was established.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
FOOTNOTE: Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 or email: platformtimes@gmail.com
