The Nasarawa state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, has urged the athletes and coaches participating at the ongoing National Youth Games to reward the benevolence and gesture of the Governor and the citizens by doing the State proud at the Events.
Hon. Jafaru Ango, while addressing the Contingent before their departure to Asaba, on behalf of the State Government, said the athletes were carefully selected in sports that the State had comparative advantage and medal hopes.
He opined that the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration is committed to the development of youth and sports in the State.
“Congratulations to those of you who are making this trip to Asaba for the Youth Games. Try as much as possible to make us proud by putting up an ‘A’ performance there.
“We thank our sports-loving Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for approving funds for our participation at the Events. We remain eternally indebted and grateful to his fatherly support and encouragement.
“We wish everyone could make the trip, but this is what the State can travel with to Asaba, considering our areas of strength and weakness.
“Note that it is your performance that will make the State Government want to do more for you in terms of reward package and more.
“So, this is a big challenge to every member of the delegation. Be good ambassadors of Nasarawa State as we are known for peace, progress, discipline, hard work, stability and unity.
“The Youth Games is designed to identify and develop future champions for Nigeria and national unity and cohesion.
“Whatever is meant for anyone of you will be given to you to enable you perform and win medals.
“Our prayers and best wishes are always with you, even as we wish you a safe journey to and back home.
“Go and make the Governor and State proud.
“The Permanent Secretary, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, and I will be joining you soon in Asaba to give you moral and psychological support”, the Commissioner said.
Bashir Bassey of Judo Sport, who spoke on behalf of the travelling Coaches, had thanked the Nasarawa State Government and Ministry for making funds available for the State’s contingent to participate in the Event, promising to do their best to ensure the State is well-represented at the Games.
He assured that Team Nasarawa would be disciplined, committed and obey all rules and regulations of the Games and host State throughout the duration of the competition, promising to outperform their previous achievements at the Games.
Team Nasarawa will be featuring in fourteen Sports Events, namely: Boxing, Cycling, Dart, Golf, Hockey (Boys’ and Girls’), Judo, Karate, Tennis, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
The Nasarawa State delegation led by the Director of Sports, Lawrence Shammah, comprised a total of 137 member contingent made up of Seventy-seven Athletes, Fourteen Sports Secretaries, Fourteen Coaches and Referees, and 32 Accompanying Officials.
A total of 4,585 athletes and 1,159 officials from 32 States of the Federation and FCT, Abuja, were cleared to participate at the Events, the highest number ever recorded at the Games’ history.
Bauchi, Borno, Rivers, Ebonyi and Katsina States failed to participate in this year’s edition of the Events designed for athletes below 15 years of age.
