By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Federal Government has assured more investment in grassroot sports while declaring open the 8th National Youth Game holding at Asaba, Delta State capital.
The president, who was ably represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, also stated that the need to revisit the age grade of the games became imperative following the decline of the nation’s athletes at the global stage.
He said, “the under fifteen age limit for athletes was affecting athletes’ participation, stating that the National Youth Games is devoted to talent hunting and nurturing of young athletes”
He noted that the role of grassroots sports development in building a strong sports sector, saying sports plays a pivotal role in the unity and peace of the nation.
He emphasized the significance of grassroots sports development, which, according to him, goes beyond talent identification but a platform that ensures comprehensive nurturing from the grassroots to elite levels of competition.
Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori however promised to continue to provide the needed platform to showcase their talents, saying sports remains the only tool to promote peace and unity among the states in the country.
The Governor, regrets that sports in the country was declining following the poor nation’s performance in the last Olympics in Paris, France, maintaining that there was a need to promote inter-house sports in both primary and secondary schools.
He explained that over 6,000 athletes and 1,159 officials have been cleared to participate in this year’s National Youth Games, describing it as an historic event.
Earlier, in an address of welcome, chairman Local Organizing Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba called on the athletes and officials to demonstrate the spirit of fair play, urging them to compete clean and abide by the rules of the games.
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