The 172 athletes who represented Edo state at the 6th National Youth Games were on Thursday welcomed by the Edo State government at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
The joyous athletes were paid their competition allowances in full and were also handed the certificate of participation at the games, duly signed by the honourable Minister of your youths and sports, Chief Sunday Dare.
Some of them spoke with scorerfootballmagazine.com after the collection of registered their joy that the state government can fulfil their promise as were made before their departure. Also, they said they are looking to go back to training and train harder for forthcoming competitions, both at home, zonal and national.
Coordinator of sports, office of the deputy governor, Mrs Sabina Amiemenoghena Chikere in a short address told the athletes to keep themselves in shape and ensure they continue training harder.
“You all have done well and the state is proud of you all. It’s not over yet so don’t go back home to sleep”.
“Keep on training hard and stay in shape. Your coaches have been directed to intensify training for you ahead of other competitions line up for you and keep to the objectives of the state’s sports policy”
“So many plans are on the ground to make sure that you are trained in line with the modern form of sports development as seen in developed countries.”
“Don’t forget, Education is key, so study hard and train hard, God bless you all”, ‘Mama Bendel’ quipped.
The event which was held at the Media Center of the Ogbemudia Stadium, saw the coordinator of sports, office of the deputy governor, Mrs Sabina Amiemenoghena Chikere, Director of Sports, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr Arewah other directors, secretaries of various sports as well as some of their coaches present.