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By: Abiodun Adewale.
General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council Henry Babatunde said the state will not deviate from its culture of using home grown talents as they take part in the seventh edition of the National Youth Games, which begins on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State.
Eighty-three athletes will represent the state in 19 sports at the Games, which will run till September 30.
Babatunde noted that Team Ondo had decent outings in the past and will be striving for more medals with their expanded contingent for this year’s edition.
“We have always been proud of showcasing athletes that we nurtured over the years at every edition of the Youth Games and that is not going to be different this year,” Babatunde told our correspondent.
“Even before the National Youth Games came up, we were known for producing some of the top athletes in the country in wrestling, athletics, weightlifting and many other sports.”
Ahead of their participation in Asaba, he noted that the contingent had adequate preparations and the 19 selected sports they will be taking part in are events where the state has comparative advantages.
“The athletes and officials are in a very high mood ahead of them. They were in a closed camp and we have been able to do everything necessary, and I believe they will surpass their performance from the last edition,” he said.
“Ondo State will be participating in 19 sports which include; boxing, badminton, karate, wrestling, judo, and athletics among others.
According to him, the athletes will be supported by 25 coaches and 10 organising secretaries who will serve as officers and medical personnel.
The Ondo contingent arrived in Asaba Thursday ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday.