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By Peter Akinbo.
Ahead of the closing ceremony of the ongoing National Sports Festival in Asaba on Saturday, Minister Sunday Dare has thanked all that was involved in the success of the biennial national tournament.
When addressing journalists at the Cyson Hotel in Asaba, the minister revealed that the Delta 2022 tournament was hurried so the calendar could be adjusted and return to it’s original format after the delay in 2020 by Covid.
“We were able to sustain momentum after the festival in Edo. We made sure we did this festival in 18 months to adjust the calendar and after then, we will return to our calendar in April,” he said.
The minister was glad that all the athletes got to participate at the festival and displayed skills that puts them in contention to represent the nation.
“More importantly, I think that 14,000 athletes getting the opportunity to compete, notwithstanding some of the challenges, is important. They will go from here, getting better, getting recognised and making up a part of our Team Nigeria that will go forth from here,” he said.
Dare then praised all those involved in the 21st National Sports Festival.
“Overall, we have seen all stakeholders come together to make this happen. In sports, nothing is a hundred percent, but you try to make it as close to a hundred percent as it can get and when you see your challenges, you try and fix it,” he said.
“My impression is that this by and large, has been a commendable effort. The athletes have kept their eye at the tip of the sphere, the journalists have focused more on the essence of being here. The Delta State government have provided the resources neccessary for this to happen. We thank all the 36 states, their governors, and the FCT.” he said.
The minister then promised that the ministry will try to get things better the next time the festival comes into town.
“We are also looking at what we need to improve upon and try to make it better. Any state that hosts the National Sports Festival is stretched to the limit but we try to get it better,” Dare said.