- Confirms Sporting Dominance
- As Minister Lauds DTSG, Says State Worthy Partner In Sports Devt
By Sunday Egede
Delta State has won the 2024 National Youth Games (NYG) tagged “Asaba 2024” with a total of 111 medals to stamp its dominance of the games having won it for the 8th consecutive time since inception.
Team Delta bagged 46 gold, 31 silver and 34 bronze medals to emerge 8th consecutive winners; Lagos State came second with a total of 65 medals comprising 26 gold, 20 silver and 19 bronze, while Edo State came third with 18 gold, 13 silver and 28 bronze medals.
Delta has won all the editions of the competition which began in 2013.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the games held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori congratulated Team Delta and other participating teams for their efforts during the games.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme thanked the organisers for their hardwork leading to the success of the games.
“May I heartily congratulate the 35 states and Abuja for participating in this year’s Youth Games. Let me specially congratulate our young athletes for the display of raw talents, resilience and sportsmanship during the games. You are the future of our nation, and we are proud of you. “I wish to particularly congratulate those who won medals for themselves and their states during the games. I applaud you for your achievements.
“Your hard work and dedication has indeed, paid off. To those of you, who did not win any medal, please do not despair, your participation is victory in itself. “May I also extend my gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, (owners of the games), the Local Organizing Committee and all the officials for their tireless efforts in making the games a huge success.
“The Games have once again demonstrated the power of sports to unite, to promote friendship and camaraderie, as well as to showcase our rich cultural diversity.
“As we bring the games to a close, let us continue to nurture our young talents, invest in grassroots sports development and provide opportunities for our Youths to excel. “Here in Delta State, we are committed to developing sports infrastructure, promoting sports education and creating platforms for our youths to thrive. “I charge you all to continue to earnestly crave for excellence, as you grow to become ambassadors of our nation and to inspire others with your achievements.
“As Governor of Delta State, I am particularly honoured to host this prestigious event in our great city of Asaba for the second time. We are eagerly waiting to receive you again for the 9th edition, next year,” the governor added. The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, represented by the Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Okeke, commended the Delta State Government for being a worthy partner in sports development in the country.
He said the National Youth Games had been successful in achieving its purpose, adding that it remained a pivotal platform for the discovery of athletes who goes on to represent the country in various competitions.
Senator Enoh said many athletes discovered in the past are now champions and winning medals for the country. He congratulated the lone athlete from Gombe state who won three gold medals in gymnastics for his state The minister said the games had created direct and indirect employments, promoting peace and unity in Nigeria and fostering economic prosperity for the host state and its surroundings.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration in leveraging the social economic potentials in the sports sector to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said 450 talented athletes have been identified across the 36 sports that featured at sports fiesta and congratulated Delta, Lagos and Edo States for emerging winners in the overall medals table.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director-General of the Delta State Sports Commission and Secretary Local Organising Committee, LOC, Mr. Festus Ohwojero, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of the state for the opportunity to host the games and thanked the Governor for the timely approval and release of funds for the hosting of the games.
