Team Delta has once again emerged champions of the National Sports Festival, securing their fifth consecutive title and reaffirming their position as Nigeria’s premier sporting powerhouse.
In a commanding display during the 22nd edition of the festival, known as the ‘Gateway Games 2024’, Team Delta leads the medal table with an impressive tally of 109 gold, 75 silver, and 87 bronze medals, despite several events still pending conclusion before the closing ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 29th.
This victory marks Team Delta’s ninth overall triumph in the history of the biannual festival.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Team Delta won their first National Sports Festival title in Bauchi 2000 Games, regaining the title in Abuja four year later in 2004 after losing it to hosts Edo in 2002. The state retained the title in Ogun in 2006 and Kaduna in 2009.
Similar to 2002, Team Delta lost the title to host Rivers State in 2011 but reclaimed it in Lagos in 2012, and subsequently in Abuja in 2018, Edo in 2020, Delta in 2022, and now at the Gateway Games 2024.
Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori has dedicated the achievement to the Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the feat which coincides with the celebration of the governor’s second year in office.
“This victory is for His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, whose unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and sporting excellence through the MORE Agenda has propelled us to this success,” he stated.
“While there are still some competitions to conclude, our significant lead confirms that Delta is once again number one.”
Current medal standings reflect Team Delta’s dominance, significantly outpacing other leading states like Bayelsa with 80 gold medals, Ogun with 69, Rivers with 65, and Edo with 55 gold medals.
Although the final figures may be subject to adjustment after the conclusion of remaining events, Delta’s commanding advantage remains undisputable.
Chairman Oborevwori praised the athletes, coaches, and the entire Team Delta contingent for their discipline, determination, and consistent pursuit of excellence, labelling the triumph a result of hard work, strategic investment, and visionary leadership.
“This success goes beyond mere medals; it represents the building of lives and the inspiring of hope,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the relentless efforts of the technical team, administrators, and support staff, emphasising that their behind-the-scenes contributions were vital to the overall success of the team.
“As we prepare to receive the championship trophy during the closing ceremony, we do so filled with gratitude, pride, and an unwavering commitment to continue nurturing champions,” he added.
The final medal standings, including results from the concluding events, will be officially announced by the Main Organising Committee (MOC).
Nevertheless, with Delta State’s exceptional performance, their status as overall champions is already secured.
