Edo, Lagos preach fairplay, vow to challenge hosts as National Youth Games begins
The Delta State government will today, roll out the red carpet to officially welcome the country’s best young athletes to the 18th National Youth Games.
Competition in some of the sports started yesterday, but today’s opening ceremony officially opens the competition with the athletes and their officials taking the oath to abide by the rules of the Games.
Already, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games has promised to give the contingents some memorable moments with the best of Delta State’s arts and culture on display.
Over 5,000 athletes from states across the federation are taking part in the Games.
As the Games get underway, Edo and Lagos states have promised to give the defending champions/hosts, Delta State, a run for their money.
Edo State arrived in Asaba with 243 athletes, 70 coaches and 28 sports officers. The state will compete in 31 sports.
Speaking on his team’s preparedness while addressing the contingent, the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli, said his state will be fair, disciplined, and competitive in its quest for excellence.
He urged Team Edo to be disciplined and good ambassadors as they seek to overtake Delta and win the Games.
Alli, an Olympian and former African record holder in the long jump, told the athletes to always remember that they are Edo State ambassadors in Asaba, and therefore remain clean throughout the competition.
He added that the competition should not be seen as a must-win.
“Last year we did very well, and I am sure this year we will do better. I trust you. We are going there to compete, do your best. We as Edo will not cheat; we will perform well. If we win, fine, if we don’t win, no problem. Like they always tell me, if you can’t be first, you can be second, if you can’t be second, you can be third, on and on. But do your best. You have no regrets.
Also speaking on his team’s expectations at the Games, the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, urged other participating states to be ready for tough, but fair battles in all the events.
Fatodu said Team Lagos is in the tournament to surpass the number of medals it won at the last edition in 2023.
The Lagos contingent arrived in Asaba on Monday full of confidence following their outstanding performance at the ball games zonal elimination in Osogbo, Osun State.
“Our target at the Games is to increase the number of medals we won at the last edition and move up from the position that we had last year. We are determined, we have trained and prepared well,” the director general said.
Team Lagos placed second in the last edition with 21 gold, 19 silver, and 21 bronze medals.
“This year, our target is to win more gold medals. I am glad to say that our youngsters are determined to increase the medal haul.
“Lagos is going for a festival of gold, a festival of medals, a festival of excellence and superiority of Lagos State at the 8th National Youth Games,” Fatodu said.
Earlier on, the LOC Chairman, Solomon Ogba, assured participants that the opening ceremony would capture a variety of things, particularly the rich traditions of the people.
He said: “Delta State has very rich traditions, and we are going to display some of them on Wednesday. As you all know, sports and music go together. Some of our top musicians will be on the ground to thrill the young athletes and visitors on Wednesday.”
Sport
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