Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has rewarded contingents with cash for making the state proud at the recently concluded Edo 2020 National Sports Festival in Benin City. The governor also promised to replicate the National Sports Festival at the state level to boost sports tourism.
Announcing the cash rewards to the contingents during a dinner held in their honour at the Banquet Hall, Government House Rayfield Jos, Lalong commended ‘Team Plateau’ for their efforts during the national competition, adding, “all gold medalists will receive N1 million each, silver medalists N700,000 each and bronze medalists, N500, 000.
He also rewarded medal winning coaches with N300,000 each, while other athletes were some token in appreciation of their efforts.
“After intensive competition at the 12–day National Sports Festival in Edo State, Plateau contingents took the 13th position and came home with 37 medals, comprising eight gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze.
“I congratulate the athletes, coaches and other supporting staff for making us proud as the second best team in the North and the best team in the North Central,” he said. He added that despite the Coronavirus and economic challenges facing Plateau State, his rescue administration would continue to support sports and partner with private investors in building the sector.
Responding on behalf of the contingent, Team Captain, Ifeoma Dennis, appreciated the kind gesture by the governor, describing the cash gifts as a great honour, which would spur them to continue to do more to make the state proud.
She however appealed to the governor to review salaries of sports men and women in the state and give employment to those on contract, who are in the majority.
