By Gowon Akpodonor
Athletes and officials of Team Delta are beaming with smiles following the redemption of the cash reward by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to those who participated in the Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival.

Team Delta retained its title as champions at the end of Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival, beating Bayelsa and Lagos to the second and third positions. The victory took Team Delta to eight wins in 10 appearances in the National Sports Festival since the Bauchi 2000 edition, where it won its first title under the administration of Chief James Ibori.

Asaba 2022 was held under the administration of Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, but the process of cash reward could not be completed before he handed over power to Oborevwori. Since then, the athletes, coaches and other officials waited patiently for the fulfillment of the cash reward. It finally came on Monday, with each gold medallist getting N1 million, silver medallist N500,000, and bronze medallist N250,000.

Two swimmers got N14 million for winning eight gold and six gold medals respectively at the festival. Some of the athletes, who spoke with The Guardian, yesterday, described the reward as “big motivation” ahead of the fast approaching Ogun 2025 National Sports Festival holding in Abeokuta, in May.

“We are so excited for this cash reward by Governor Oborevwori,” sprinter Ejovwokoghene, said in a telephone chat with The Guardian. “You need to see our mood in Asaba at the moment. Now, we can beat our chests that we are fully ready to face any opposition at the Ogun 2025 National Sports Festival.

“What happened last week in Uyo, where we lost the first position to Bayelsa at the First Niger Delta Sports Festival won’t happen again,” he promised.

The Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, also lauded the governor for redeeming the outstanding financial commitment, which he described as timely and a promise fulfilled.

“This payment is a demonstration of Governor Oborevwori’s unwavering support for sports development in the state. The gesture reflects the governor’s “MORE Agenda,” which prioritises meaningful development, opportunities for all, and enhanced welfare for the people of Delta State, including athletes,” he said

On his part, the Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Festus Ohwojero, said that the Governor’s gesture is a way of reassuring the athletes that better days lie ahead under his leadership.

“Governor Oborevwori plans for sports development include improved facilities, training opportunities, and timely incentives for outstanding performances, and what he just did is a way of reassuring the athletes, coaches and administrative staff of the Sport Commission of his determination to do more,” Ohwojero told The Guardian.