NYG: Ministry to Expel State who fields Over-aged athletes
The ministry of Youth and Sports has warned state directors/commissioners of sports not to bring over-aged athletes to the National Youth Games (NYG) which commenced on Saturday with arrival of states’ contingents, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.
The Director of Grassroots Sports in the ministry, Dr Ademola Are handed the warning ahead of commencement of competition on Monday.
Dr Are who spoke in an exclusive interview said that the ministry had put every machinery in motion to ensure a hitch-free championship in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Are who commended the ministry for keeping to its mandate in hosting the championship which is on its 5th edition noted that adequate measures have been put in place to detect age cheat in the games.
He said the youth games is primarily to discover athletes and nurture them for greater performance in the future and advised states sports management not to encourage their athletes to engage in performance enhancing drugs as such is detrimental to their health and careers.
“We are ready for the Games. We have put things in place for the commencement of the games and we are optimistic of a hitch-free championship.
“The purpose of the National Youth Games is to discover talents at this early stage. Some states should know that cheating can’t help the athletes grow in the future. The age limit for this game is 15 years. I am appealing to state directors of sports to come with the right age to avoid embarrassment. You must not win in every competition. The future of the athletes should be their priority. Winning the game by cheating will not help the state to grow”. Are said
Are further revealed that all is set for the smooth take-off of the games with host state Kwara putting in place all the necessary logistics in terms of venues, accommodations, and transportation for the athletes.
The game is scheduled to commence September 7th to 17th in the University of Ilorin, Kwara State while Tuesday next week has been slated for the official opening ceremony by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare.
