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By Eche Amos , Asaba

Team Nasarawa on Thursday, joined their counterparts from thirty-one other States of the Federation to partake in the opening ceremony of the 8th edition of the National Youth Games holding in Asaba, Delta State.

The Nasarawa contingent who adorned their colourful green and white outfits impressed the audience at the prestigious Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba during the march past, with heightened expectations to haul medals when hostilities begin in earnest on Friday.

The state, aiming to better their last outing, will participate in 14 sporting events with 77 athletes and 14 coaches.

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare the Events open, stating that the Youth Games holds special significance as a beacon of hope for the revitalisation of the sports industry in Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of grassroots sports development in nurturing young talents and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global sports.

The President was joined by the host State’s Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, among other top political and sports brats in the country.

The Nasarawa State Government had, on Tuesday, bidden farewell to the State’s contingent heading to Asaba, Delta State capital, for the annual multi-sports  youth Events.

The State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, 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, urging the athletes and coaches to reward the benevolence and gesture of the Governor and the citizens by doing the State proud at the Events.

“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 supports”, 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 the 36 States of the Federation and F.C.T., 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.

The climax of the Events holds on 19th September, 2024.