Team Edo departed today for Ogun State to participate in the 22nd Edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged the GateWay Games, with a 900 member contingent.
It comprises 774 athletes (324 male and 288 female), 60 coaches, 36 officials, and 66 state delegates, who are expected to win laurels in the festival scheduled from May 16 to 30 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Meanawhile Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, have jointly charged the athletes and coaches to embody a winning spirit and uphold excellence throughout the competition.
In his goodwill message, Deputy Governor Idahosa urged the athletes to represent Edo State with pride, discipline, and sportsmanship, stressing that winning begins with the right mindset.
He said, “Our athletes must integrate a winning attitude into every aspect of their participation. They are not just representing themselves, but the entire Edo people. They must be worthy ambassadors, both on and off the field, aiming for gold.”
Echoing the Deputy Governor’s charge, Hon. Enabulele, in a statement signed by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, noted that the support from His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Deputy Governor Idahosa has been instrumental in advancing sports development in Edo State within just six months of the administration.
Enabulele highlighted the impact of the grassroots programs and ‘Catch Them Young’ initiatives of the Okpebholo-led government as the backbone of the administration’s sports successes.
He further expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations, saying, “The Governor’s support facilitated the successful camping of our athletes and smooth arrangements for their journey to the festival. I personally witnessed various sports associations conducting trials and training sessions, which show that Team Edo is well-prepared and determined to excel.”
Both leaders emphasized the significance of the National Sports Festival as a platform to promote unity, discover talents, and foster healthy competition among athletes across Nigeria.
