Gov. Francis Nwifuru yeserday, urged athletes representing Ebonyi at the 22nd National Sports Festival holding in Abeokuta to let their performances earn them due commendations.
Nwifuru, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Mr Hillary Obiesie, gave the charge while addressing the 91-man contingent as it departed the state for the festival.
The governor urged the athletes to strive towards excellence at the festival and allow the media make noise about their performances.
“You are not just athletes but ambassadors of the state. Promote the state’s image, make discipline and unity your watchwords, on and off the field.
“Walk tall, act right and may God crown your efforts with success,” he said.
The governor reiterated his commitment towards promoting sports in the state, describing it as a veritable instrument for youth upliftment.
“We will continue providing platforms for our youths to compete and excel in sports alongside their contemporaries.
“I commend the state’s sports officials for their tenacity in ensuring that we excel at the festival among other sporting events” he said
The Director of Sports in the state Sports Council, Mr Emmanuel Utobo, said the state was prepared to compete favourably at the festival.
“Utobo who is the Chairman, All Directors of Sports Forum in Nigeria, said the contingent would compete in 11 event including athletics, taekwondo and cricket.
“The paralympians have been in closed camp while others observed open camping. We are grateful to the governor for his motivation and general investment in sports,” he said. (NAN)
