Port Harcourt – Winner of the 17th National Sports Festival, Rivers, says it is prepared to dust all comers to the 20th edition of the games in Benin, the capital of Edo.
Rivers Sports Commissioner, Mr Boma Iyaye, stated this at a media conference in Port Harcourt as the state’s contingent prepared to depart for Benin.
Iyaye disclosed that Rivers, which he described as one of the top three sports states in Nigeria, would be participating in 29 events at the Sports Festival and was optimistic that its athletes would all produce medalists.
He commended Gov. Nyesom Wike for his unprecedented support which showed that he was abreast of the role sports could play in the unity of the state, youth empowerment, wealth creation and tackling youth restiveness.
The Commissioner stressed that the athletes that would represent the state were provided with the best of facilities and welfare, hence their satisfaction with the preparations so far.
He disclosed that in order to ensure the best of atmosphere for the athletes, they would travel to Benin with the full compliments of all logistics that included ambulance, medical personnel, among others.
According to Iyaye, Rivers, as a state that takes the issue of covid-19 seriously, all the officials and athletes in the state contingent have so far been vaccinated.
“Even PCR Testing as required by the festival organisers has been concluded.
“We are going to the Sports Festival to compete and win fairly against other states; we are sure that our athletes will come out tops, we will be among the best, that is our charge.
“It is not possible for us to participate in all the events, so we have chosen the ones we are sure of winning medals,” he said.
The Rivers Sports Boss stated that the team’s spirit was very high, motivation was top, as the state had done well to provide all they needed.
“We remain highly elated and appreciative of the gesture of Gov. Wike in providing funds and support; he has proved to be truly the Power of Sports in Africa,” he concluded.
