By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, and Edo Sports Commission Chairman, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, today charged Team Edo’s athletes and coaches to pursue victory with excellence as they departed for the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The officials delivered the motivational send-off as the team departed for the competition, officially dubbed Gateway Games, emphasising both competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
In his goodwill message, Deputy Governor Idahosa urged the athletes to represent Edo State with pride, discipline, and sportsmanship, stressing that winning begins with the right mindset.
He said, “Our athletes must integrate a winning attitude into every aspect of their participation. They are not just representing themselves, but the entire Edo people. They must be worthy ambassadors, both on and off the field, aiming for gold.”
Echoing the Deputy Governor’s charge, Hon. Enabulele, in a statement signed by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, noted that the support from His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Deputy Governor Idahosa has been instrumental in advancing sports development in Edo State within just six months of the administration.
Enabulele highlighted the impact of the grassroots programs and ‘Catch Them Young’ initiatives of the Okpebholo-led government as the backbone of the administration’s sports successes.
He further expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations, saying, “The Governor’s support facilitated the successful camping of our athletes and smooth arrangements for their journey to the festival. I personally witnessed various sports associations conducting trials and training sessions, which show that Team Edo is well-prepared and determined to excel.”
Both leaders emphasized the significance of the National Sports Festival as a platform to promote unity, discover talents, and foster healthy competition among athletes across Nigeria.
Team Edo’s contingent, comprising 774 athletes (324 male and 288 female), 60 coaches, 36 officials, and 66 state delegates, is expected to compete in the festival scheduled from May 16 to 30 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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