The boost the morale of Delta State athletes and officials ahead of this year’s National Sports Festival, which will be held in Ogun State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved a cash award regime for Team Delta stars, who topped the medals table at the 21st edition of the Games, tagged Asaba 2022.

One of the state’s swimmers, Clinton Opute, who won eight individual gold medals, pocketed N8 million, while Timi Akiayefa, also a swimmer, smiled to the bank with N6 million for winning six individual gold medals during the sports festival.

Team Delta made history at the 21st National Sports Festival by winning an unprecedented 576 medals, made up of 280 gold, 167 silver, and 129 bronze.

Last year, Governor Oborevwori boosted the morale of the state’s junior athletes preparing for the eighth National Youth Games, which Delta also hosted. It paid off as Team Delta topped the medals table.

On Tuesday evening, Oborevwori approved the sum of N1 million as a cash reward for each gold medal won at the 2022 Games. Silver medallists got N500,000 each, while N250,000 was approved for each bronze medal.

Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, the Chairman of Delta Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, described the Governor’s gesture as a clear indication of his passion for sports development.

“This decision underscores the Governor’s steadfast commitment to fostering sports excellence and rewarding hard work,” he said. “Our athletes and officials gave their best, and this reward will undoubtedly motivate them to aim even higher.”

On his part, the Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Mr. Festus Ohwojero, lauded the move, noting its importance as Team Delta gears up for the upcoming Gateway Games in Ogun State.

He said: “This reward for our athletes and officials will serve as a morale booster as we prepare for this year’s National Sports Festival. It will ensure Delta State remains a dominant force in national and international sports.”

Ohwojero recalls that two months before the eighth National Youth Games, Governor Oborevwori approved cash awards for the athletes who won the 7th edition saying: “It was a timely gesture that played a pivotal role in motivating the athletes and securing Delta State’s first-place finish at the 8th National Youth Games. Similarly, in December 2024, the Governor also ensured that cash awards for the 8th edition were paid during the festive season, allowing athletes and officials to celebrate Christmas and New Year with joy.”