Minister
of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has commended the
government and people of Delta state for their consistency in grassroots
sports development.
He
gave the commendation at the closing ceremony of the 6th Delta state
sports festival held at the Polytechnic Stadium, Ozoro at the weekend.
He thanked the state government for their immense contributions towards launching grassroots athletes to stardom.
"
I am proud of Delta state because when we go back into history, most of
our exploits in sports are traceable to this great state. I commend His
Excellency for his commitment and dedication to sports development. I
invite other state governments to emulate some of the giant strides of
Delta state government. Any government that invests in sports will have
peace and stability in the state and that speaks for the relative peace
in Delta today."
Barrister
Dalung also congratulated the athletes and urged them to put in more
hardwork in their training. He also called on the coaches to identify
the talents and nurture them to limelight.
The
Minister used the occasion to declare the commitment of the Ministry of
Youth and Sports to democratizing the National Sports Federations .
"
We must clean up the system, inject new ideas, invite new hands and set
the tune of placing Nigeria in its proper perspective. We must provide
leadership that is accommodating, focused, visionary, committed and
determined to reposition sports in Nigeria."
In
his address, the Governor of Delta state Dr Ifeanyi Okowa promised to
make the state sports festival an annual event and congratulated the
organizers of the festival as well as athletes and officials for the
success of the games.
Dr
Okowa promised that Delta State will continue to play a leading role
in the development of sports in the country and provide more avenues for
youths to participate in sports.
"Sporting
activities are vital areas where our young men and women can be
meaningfully engaged. They keep the young ones busy and away from
delinquent behaviours and youth restiveness in all its ramifications.
Besides, it also gives opportunity to develop their talents on their way
to national and international prominence.” Okowa said.
Athletes in 25 local government councils took part in the 5 day festival.
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