By Abel Johngold
The Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee of the just concluded 8th National Youth Games and Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Festus Owhojero, has expressed appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment and support for the successful hosting of the event.
The Director General also commended the Federal Ministry of Sports for believing in the ability of Delta State to host the games, the athletes and officials, the various state governments which sponsored their contingents to the event and especially the Media which he described as “ever reliable.”
The appreciations and commendations were contained in his address at the closing ceremony of the games on Thursday, September 19, at the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
“We are grateful to the Government and people of Delta State, especially His Excellency, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for availing us the opportunity to host this event for the second time,” he said in his address.
“In a special way, we also wish to commend His Excellency, the Governor, for graciously approving and providing the resources for the hosting of Nigerian youths from all the states of the federation for the second year running.
“We are particularly grateful for the timely approval and release of funds for the preparations and participation of Team Delta in this National Youth Games.
We also appreciate our supervisory body, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, for believing in the ability and capacity of Delta State to host the National Youth Games for four consecutive times, 2023 to 2026.
“I congratulate our youths from all the states of the federation and Abuja for the rare opportunity of representing their various states at this games.
“I also commend and appreciate the various State Governments for sponsoring their athletes to this Games. This Games cannot hold without the participants.
‘We are also indebted to all the private organizations, public agencies, our ever reliable media as well as all public spirited individuals who contributed in one way or the other to the success of this sports fiesta. I salute you all.”