Team Nasarawa departs for National Youth Games with renewed zeal

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Eche Amos

   Nasarawa State’s contingent to the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), have departed Lafia, the State capital for Asaba, Delta State, South-South, Nigeria.

 

In a low-key send-off ceremony held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Lafia, Nasarawa, North-Central, Nigeria, the State Government bade farewell to the promising young athletes who are prepared to deliver exciting performances at the annual showpiece.

Speaking on behalf of the Nasarawa State Government, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, who expressed pride in the young athletes, urged them to display their skills, sportsmanship, and make the State proud.

 

"As you depart for the 9th National Youth Games, the State Government is confident that you will not only showcase your skills, but bring glory to the State by winning medals and remaining disciplined ambassadors of the State throughout the event.

"Remember that this event serves as a platform for you to demonstrate your talents, build character, and foster national unity.

"You are the new generation of athletes that will rule your world, so, endeavour to justify the resources invested in you by the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration to enable you participate in this competition.

"Governor Abdullahi Sule has high regards for hard work, commitment, and dedication, and and he also rewards excellence.

"So, if you do well, you will receive his bountiful rewards,” the Commissioner emphasized.

The young athletes were most gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the State Government for approving funds for their participation at the multi-sports event.

They equally thanked the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, and other Staff of the Ministry for their roles in ensuring the participation of Team Nasarawa at the multi-sports event, restating their determination to excel at the competition and bring glory to the Governor and State.

The Coaches also disclosed that their athletes are motivated to do the State proud.

Team Nasarawa will set foot into the home of defending champions, Delta State with a 278 member contingent, renewed zeal and high hopes.

 

The list includes 167 athletes, 22 Sports Secretaries, 38 accompanying referees and 51 accompanying officials.

Nasarawa State is set to feature young talents in 22 disciplines. Athletics, Ayo, Badminton, Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Dart, Football (Boys), Golf, Hockey (Boys & Girls), Judo, Karate, Kokawa and Kung Fu Wushu.

With others showcasing their expertise in Scrabble, Shooting, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

The Youth Games which will run from the 26th of August to the 6th of September will feature 37 sports, with over five thousand athletes and coaches from the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.