By correspondent in Minna.
(c). Vanguard.
No fewer than 102 man-contingent, comprising 80 athletes and 22 officials, will represent Niger state at the 7th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) hosted by Delta state government between Sept. 20th and Sept. 30th.
The Director of Sports, Niger State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Baba Sheshi, disclosed this during final briefing of the athletes ahead of their departure to Delta state capital, Asaba, venue for the national sporting fiesta.
Sheshi,who admonished the athletes and officials to be good ambassadors of the state, strive to win medals also advised them to adhere strictly to the protocols guiding the events.
He told the contingent that the Governor Bago-led administration was ready for the games by sponsoring the athletes, adding however that adherence to rules of the events, commitment and dedication to their field of competition would enable them make impressive outing on the medals table.
He challenged the contingent on the need not to disappoint the state but justify the money invested in them.
“The essence of going to the NYG is not just to participate in sports and win medals, but to inculcate discipline and the acts of leadership in our athletes.
“If you are not a disciplined athlete or fail to adhere to the rules of the games, you will not be able to win medals. This is the only way not only to get the best and win medals, but to top the medals table”, the Director further emphasized.
“We are going to Asaba with 80 athletes and 22 officials to top the medals table and nothing short of that”, the Director said
He added that the state would be competing in 10 sporting events, including; basketball, handball, volleyball, athletics, badminton, taekwondo, karate, judo, Squash, wrestling and weightlifting.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
