The Imo state commissioner for Youths, Sports and social development Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo has shared the thoughts and optimism of Imo Athletes ahead of the Delta 2023 National Youth Games coming up later this September, the Statesman Newspaper can exclusively report.
The young Imo Athletes promised to make Imo proud in Asaba and also show appreciation to the Governor of Imo state, His Excellency Distinguished senator Hope Uzodimma for his support to their course by winning medals at the end of their conquest in Asaba.
The young Athletes has been undergoing intense training ahead of the NYG which has now been postponed for the 3rd time this year and were appreciative of the Governor for his support ahead of the competition.
In an exclusive Interview with Statesman Newspaper, the Sports commissioner, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo said;
“The National Youth Games Delta 2023 is upon us and I’m glad to inform you that our Imo young Athletes are ready to do us proud and has promised to deliver medals in appreciation for all the support they have been getting from his Excellency distinguished senator Hope Uzodimma.
Modalities has been put in place to help them succeed and as we speak right now, they are still training and keeping fit while they await the flag off date which according to reports has been shifted to September 21st.
The Athletes are in a very high spirit as they anticipate the competition date. For most of them, it’s a maiden experience while others have experienced it before but in all this, the desire to say thank you to the Governor is high.
I will enjoin Imolites to kindly pray for their success because this event could shape their future so it’s a serious business for Gov Uzodimma’s 3R administration whose policies are often centered on the youths of Imo state.” Okoronkwo concluded.
The 2023 National Youth Games have been postponed by two weeks at the instance of the host Delta State.
According to a release last Saturday signed by the PRO, Braveman Wodi, the event initially scheduled for September 7–17 will now run from September 21 through October 1 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
The National Youth Games is the brainchild of the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
It is a multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Sports Commission for athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The aim of the sports fiesta is to harness talents amongst the youths in Nigeria while also ensuring unity and togetherness among different States.
This year’s edition has now been postponed twice, having initially been scheduled to take place from February 8–18 at the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State.
The event was later rescheduled for September 7–17 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba due to the general elections in February.
