NYG: Anambra Begins Medal Quest As President Scales Up Age Limit To 17
Team Anambra on Thursday began their quest for medals at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State capital in seven sporting events.
The team will compete in Boxing Chess, Cricket Karate, Swimming, Table Tennis and Volleyball
Recall that Anambra had an impressive outing during the opening ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Wednesday.
Anambra athletes were the cynosure of all eyes as they dazzled the ecstatic crowd in their resplendent yellow and black traditional colours with white caps to make a perfect blend.
The young and enthusiastic athletes marched in highly synchronised steps to the admiration and cheers of VIP guests and crowd.
Meanwhile President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new maximum age limit of 17 years for athletes participating in NYG against the current 15 years limit
Tinubu who was represented by Sen. John Owan-Enoh, the Minister of Sports the adjustment had become necessary in order to bridge the gap of youths attainment to the senior category.
He charged officials to be fair in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities during the competitions for an effective ‘’Catch them Young Programme’ policy.
Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission has expressed heartfelt appreciation to Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for keeping faith with Anambra youths, especially the sports Community.
Onyedum said the Asaba Festival was another opportunity the governor had made available for talented budding athletes to launch themselves to limelight.
“We are not just in Asaba to win medals or improve our last record, we are here to give these children launching pad to stardom, those who are exceptional will not only win money, they will get national and international scholarships.
“On behalf of the team, I want to thank Mr Governor and promise that we will continue to work to achieve the Solution Agenda for sports,” he said.
No fewer than 124 athletes and 49 officials among the 6000 athletes and above 1000 officials are taking part in the 10-day sports fiesta code-named. Asaba 2024
