Abia State has dispatched a 415-member contingent, including 287 athletes and 127 officials, to participate in the 9th National Youth Games holding in Asaba, Delta State.
Addressing the team before departure on Tuesday in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, urged the athletes to maintain discipline, obey their coaches, and play by the rules of their respective games. He charged them to win medals for the state, assuring that Governor Alex Otti would reward outstanding performances.
He stressed that the Games would serve as a platform for the athletes to secure future opportunities to represent Nigeria in international competitions.
Also speaking, the State’s Director of Sports, Obioma George, described the contingent as the largest in Abia’s history, noting that the state would compete in 31 sports. He expressed confidence that Abia would surpass the 10th position it attained at the last edition of the Games, while appreciating Governor Otti and the Commissioner for providing facilities for the athletes’ preparation.
The Abia contingent will feature in football, beach volleyball, handball, rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, kickboxing, table tennis, swimming, among other events scheduled from August 26 to September 6.
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