Team Edo, hitting the right notes — Mrs. Sabina Chikere

...Applauds Team Edo's podium finish at the Games

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye 

  

  

  

The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, a key figure in the development of sports in Nigeria, has described Sports in the Heartbeat State as hitting the right notes, regionally and nationally.

The art and cultural city still reeling in the joy of winning the Niger Delta Games was blessed with another podium finish, this time on the National level.

Mrs. Chikere described Team Edo's performance at the National Para Games as a striking demonstration of ongoing sporting transformation in the State, adding that it's hitting the right notes.

The renowned sports administrator, was full of praises for the members of Team Edo to the games.

"We keep getting better with each sporting outing.”

Team Edo delivered a commanding performance at the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja, finishing an impressive third on the medals table as the competition heads to a close.

The team amassed a formidable haul of 25 gold, 14 silver, and 25 bronze medals, underlining their strength across multiple disciplines at the Games held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and Jabi Lake.

She also heaped praises on the organisers of the Sports feast, the National Sports Commission, (NSC), led by Chairman, Dr. Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, adding that without the support of these two great individuals Nigeria Sports will not be where it is today.

"When you provide a very powerful sports platform like the Para Games, you are building a bright future for the teeming youth population and also creating an economic expansion.”

Mrs. Chikere a member of the organising committee of the Africa Youth Championship, reserved special praises for the Director General of the National Institute of Sports, His Excellency, Honourable, Comrade, Philip Shaibu, a man of selfless devotion and passion for sports.

Para Table Tennis proved to be a major goldmine for the team. Ivie Edogiawerie Peculiar led the charge with a stunning double gold in the Women’s Open Singles and Class 10 events.

Blessing Aiwekhoe also stood tall, clinching gold in the Class 5 Women’s Singles and teaming up with Olowe to secure another gold in the Mixed Doubles. 

Ada Okungbowa and Kazeem Adejunye added bronze medals in their respective categories.

She also had some nice and delightful words for the number one citizen of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, the pillar behind the sporting progress in the State. Calling him a man of his word, who kept to his promise to revive sports in Edo.

Team Edo, which featured 47 athletes competing in 10 sports including Athletics, Swimming, Badminton, Cycling, and Wheelchair Tennis, showcased depth, versatility, and hunger for success.

Despite their strong showing, Enugu State sits atop the standings with 36 gold medals, while Bayelsa finished second.