The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has tasked state’s athletes to the 2017 National Youth Games to make the state proud by winning gold medals for the state.
Governor Ahmed gave the charge last week while bidding farewell to the state’s contingent to National Youth Games, holding at the University of Ilorin.
Speaking through the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Bolakale Ayo, the Governor charged the athletes to build on the success recorded last year and surpass the previous feats.
Governor Ahmed explained that the government places high premium on sports development and would stop at nothing in encouraging athletes to build careers in sports and bring glory to the state.
He advised the athletes to be disciplined, determined and shun drug abuse in order to sustain the reputation of the state.
Governor Ahmed also thanked individuals who supported the athletes and encouraged private investment in sports development.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Elder Ayobola Samuel congratulated the athletes for the opportunity to represent the state and advised them not to abuse the opportunity.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Sports, Kwara State Sports Council, Mallam Tunde Kazeem disclosed that the contingent of 163 would proceed immediately to the Games Village.
According to him, the contingent comprises of 120 athletes and 43 officials and will compete in seventeen sporting events.
Mallam Kazeem thanked the state government for releasing fund to prosecute the games and appreciated some individuals for their numerous donations.
In his remarks, the Captain of the athletes, Micheal Isaac thanked the state government for the opportunity to represent the state and promised that the athletes would not disappoint the state.
