NYG: 356 Contingent to represent team Edo in Asaba
…as Chairman sports commission places value on Young athletes
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin
The Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli, has expressed optimism that the state would surpass its 2021 Ilorin Youth Games achievements at this year’s National Youth Games holding in Asaba..
The Edo Sports Commission boss stated this while bidding farewell to the 356 Edo Contingents to this year’s National Youth Game, tagged ‘Asaba 2023’ on Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
Olympian Alli disclosed that the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is committed to sports through grassroots development, adding that Edo is focused on growing young athletes for the future.
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He charged the young athletes to be worthy ambassadors of the state,just as he commended the for a job well done, preparing the children and the state government for creating the enabling environment for sports to thrive in Edo state.
He explained that the athletes were not only under intensive training for months but that they also went into two week closed camping in preparation for the festival.
“I am very impressed with our preparation for the youth games. The state government and the coaches have done very well. We are taking seven years old athletes to the game.
“This is what the governor said initially that he wants to develop sports at the grassroots.
“Basically, this is the grassroots because some seven year old kids are going to represent us at the youth games. I Think this is fantastic.”
“To us as sports commission and government,you our young athletes are very important to us. You are our diamond. We are preparing you for the future. You might be competing with athletes older than you at the games but remain focused and represent Edo well. I’m confident you will win.”
We are going to use the real under 15. With this kids, the future of sports in Edo is bright. I am so happy that the coaches have done well, preparing the children for the games.”
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We are going to Delta with 271 Athletes including coaches to do us proud. But we are not going there to win by all means. We are going to participate in 21 events.
Asked if Edo will surpass 3rd position recorded at Ilorin 2021,
Alli said: “If you said Edo came 3rd at the last youth games in Ilorin, I will disagree with you because up till now, we don’t have the media table of the last festival.
“There is still a lot of controversies on the medal table. Until they give us a proper medal table, then we will now know our position. Right now, nobody knows who was first, second and third “, he stated
Edo State contingents comprises 271 athletes;50 coaches;23 Secretaries and other officials including helpers, interpreters as well as media and medical.
