Athletes, Officials Storm Port Harcourt For Public Service Games

No fewer than 10,000 athletes, officials and dignitaries from 36 states and the Federal  Capital Territory, have arrived Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, for the the 43rd Public Service Games, which will kick-off today, Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, said the eight-day event, which will come to a close  on December 5, 2024, will be held at different centres within Port Harcourt metropolis.

Johnson stated that the three centres include; the Sharks Football Club Stadium, the University of Port Harcourt and the Port Harcourt Club.

He, however said the opening ceremony of the games, which will be attended by officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), is scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Speaking earlier on the state government’s preparation for the Public Service Games, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said this is the second time this state would be hosting the public service games acted its was last held in the state during the administration of former Governor Peter Odili.

Danagogo said: “On behalf of the governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, I want to thank the President of the Federation of Public Service Games, for choosing Rivers State to host this game. As you have said, the last time this state hosted this game was during the administration of former Governor Peter Odili.

“There is no doubt that Rivers State is indeed ready again to welcome all those coming for the federal public service games. His Excellency has granted his approval for this games to hold in Rivers State.

“By the grace of God, we are ready to get every necessary facility ready to ensure that we organise most very simeles and superlatives games in Rivers State. As you have already heard, the theme of the games is ‘Simplified Rivers 2024’. It is holden from November 27, 2024 through to December 5, 2024.

“His Excellency has asked me to thank both the federation at the national level and our own civil servants for coming together to see that sports is brought to the fore in the lives of our civil servants and public servants.”