Team Edo Tuesday departed the state’s capital for Asaba, Delta State for the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival amidst brewed confidence of surpassing the last edition’s record.
The 700-contingent which consists of 537 athletes, 110 coaches, 36 Sports Secretaries, and 17 Officials on Tuesday, left the Heartbeat of the Nation for the Festival.
Team Edo looks good to surpass the 2020 festival in raking in as many medals as they would be able to lay hands on in the 30 sporting events. The events include Women’s Football, Athletics, Basketball, Tennis, Table-Tennis, Ayo, Wrestling, and Para sports.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, while bidding the team farewell, admonished them to be upright and disciplined even as they compete at their best capacity to bring home victory.
Comrade Shaibu charged the team to go for victory in all they participate in using the state’s official colour as a symbol they must carry in their heart at all times.
Comrade Shaibu stated that the state has readily made available every necessary logistics and provision for the athletes to excel at the tournament.
“You have the best facilities, I don’t know what’s there, but whatever it is, just go there and make us proud.”
“Our target is to have an Edo person in every national team, be it athletics, handball, gymnastics, weightlifting, squash, or football. Our target is, if you are choosing ten, a minimum of four must come from us and I believe this is possible.”
“I have been going around and I see some of you train hard with the readily made available facilities, that’s what it should be – Delta came here to take first, and now we are going there to show them that we are their senior brothers.”
“I will also be there to cheer you on all your games and we have made all arrangements – your allowances and every other thing will be delivered.”
“Remove your mind from anything that would distract you from winning, you have every of your entitlement prepared before you take off. So, just go out there and do yourself and the state proud.”
“As you go to Asaba, activate that best in you and come back with the gold medals. Facility-wise, you should be the one showing what you train with every time and use that to your advantage.”
“You have the best, you are the best, show it in Asaba and by the grace of God, we will be celebrating more champions, record breakers, tournament record holders, and what have you – your chairman is a good example of all that.”
“Lastly, I pray that you will win, make a good career and excel in every game you participate in, and pray against injury. Our dream for you to be known all over the world will surely come to pass.”
The opening ceremony of the 21st Sports Festival will hold on Wednesday, 30th November 2022, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba while the closing ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 10th December 2022.