Team Akwa Ibom, comprising a total of 250 athletes and officials, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, departed Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, for the eighth National Youth Games, NYG, tagged “Asaba 2024”.
The multi-sports championship which is organized by the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission and competed by athletes under the age of fifteen, from the thirty-six states of the Federation and the FCT, will take place in Asaba, the Delta state capital from September 9 to 19.
Addressing the delegation shortly before departure, the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, charged them to be good ambassadors of the state by refraining from actions that are capable of painting the state in bad light.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, charged members of the delegation to complete cleanly and fairly in line with the rules and regulations of the Games, and strive to exude the moral values that the state has come to be known for at all times.
“His Excellency, our sports-loving Governor, has approved and released funds for your participation in the Games.” Mr Uko said.
“Your Duty Tour Allowance and all other allied allowances have been fully approved. Win or lose, His Excellency expects you to compete cleanly and fairly, and to be good ambassadors of the state at all times.” He added.
Led by the Director of Sports, Mrs. Brigid Otton, Team Akwa Ibom, who will be competing in a total of 24 sports, including the three team sports of volleyball, beach volleyball and basketball, when the Games get underway at the Stephen Keshi stadium, will be looking to better its second-place finishes that it recorded in the 2013 and 2018 editions of the Games.
