Asaba, the Capital of Delta State is agog, the atmosphere is electrifying, the stage is set in readiness to host over 7000 athletes and officials from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
The event is the 8th edition of the National Youth Games which begins on the 9th and is expected to terminate on the 18th of September, 2024.
The venue for most of the games is the modern Stephen Keshi Stadium and St Patrick College playground, while the Hockey Stadium, Okpanam too will have its own share of the exciting games.
The National Youth Games is the brain child of Goodluck Jonathan administration established through the National Sports Commission for athletes below fifteen years to show case their skills and talents.Perhaps, with the failure of the country both at the Olympics in Paris and the junior Olympics in Peru, this is a major event to discover those who would be nurtured for future tournaments.
The truth is that the build up to Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane in 2031 starts from Asaba, where fresh talents should be fished out to replace the ageing ones.
The maiden edition took place in Abuja in 2013 with an attendance of about 4000 athletes drawn from different states. The main objective of the festival is to harness talents amongst the youths and also ensure the unity and togetherness among different states.
Thus, the one starting on Monday should adhere strictly to the aims and objectives as laid down in the rule book.
The Holy Bible says that we should train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The event of 2013 which served as an eye opener in Abuja from December 5th to 23th was won by Cross River State with Akwa Ibom and Delta in second and third positions respectively.
In 2016, the second edition was hosted in Ilorin, Kwara State from September 21st to 30th. Kwara also hosted it in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
It is pertinent to state here that Team Delta won it back to back after the maiden edition till 2021. The one of 2017 was won by Delta with 22 Gold, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze.
In 2021, which was the sixth edition in Ilorin, Delta also won with 60 Gold, 27 Silver and 29 Bronze closely followed by Lagos with 19 Gold, 36 Silver and 28 Bronze. Edo came third with 28 Gold, 10 Silver and 11 Bronze.
In 2023, the 7th edition was hosted by Delta State in what has been regarded as a mini sports Festival. It was won by the host, Delta with 51 Gold, 34 Silver and 31 Bronze.
Thus,one may conclude that this year ‘s edition promises to be exciting and explosive as Edo and Lagos have indicated their interest to wrestle the trophy from Delta State.
Originally scheduled for September 10th, the games was brought back to 9th September to enable Edo State conduct their gubernatorial election coming up.on the 21st. The benefits of the youth games to athletes, the host State cannot be over emphasized. It serves as veritable ground to discover new talents, promotes perseverance, teamwork, discipline and leadership. It also builds confidence and motivation for personal growth on the side of the Athletes.
It must be noted that starting sports at a young age can enable the children discover their future and invariably, pursue their potential careers from there.
No doubt, the Youth games is a powerful tool for equipping children and young people with essential life skills.
It also provides opportunities for underprivileged individuals, such as street children and those with disabilities, to prove themselves and chart the way forward.
After the last edition held in Asaba, the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh acknowledged the positive impact of the youth games, saying it generates both direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Sports value chain particularly to the host State.
Delta State especially under the MORE agenda of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sherrif Oborevwori places more emphasis on quality and standard. Known for hosting excellent sporting events, the government has made adequate arrangements for a conducive atmosphere for our visitors to enjoy their stay.
Delta has always been a valuable partner in Sports development hence the bulk of those representing the Country at major international events comes from the state.
All hands must therefore be on deck to showcase our traditional hospitality, sign of peace, friendship and positive beliefs. Let the 8th edition of the National Youth games begins.
