—Athletes applaud governor’s support, vow to bring home medals
By PUNCH Correspondent
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has charged the state’s athletes competing at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to go beyond the state’s previous achievements and set a new record.
The Governor, who attended the opening ceremony of the Gateway Games at the MKO Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, paid a surprise visit to Team Ondo’s camp at Babcock University on Monday, where he delivered a passionate pep talk.
Addressing the excited athletes, Aiyedatiwa urged them to give their all and surpass Ondo State’s best-ever performance at the festival — a fourth-place finish.
“At some point, Ondo State regularly finished between sixth and 13th positions; we’ve even come fourth as our highest. You must not go below that. You must put in your best,” the Governor told the contingent.
He described the sports festival as a potential springboard for young athletes to launch professional sporting careers, stressing that the event offers opportunities beyond medals.
“Some of you, maybe this is where you’ll be discovered for greater performance later in life, where you can make a career out of this adventure,” Aiyedatiwa added.
The Governor, who identified as a sports lover, assured the team of his administration’s full support for sports development. “We are here to encourage you, to identify with you, and to let you know that we are behind you in every way. I am also praying for you that no harm shall come your way,” he said.
He further encouraged the athletes to aim high and challenge dominant states like Delta and the host, Ogun.
In response, the athletes expressed appreciation for the Governor’s visit and backing, pledging to win medals and make the state proud.
Meanwhile, during the opening ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, hailed the unifying spirit of sports and its role in national integration.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the host, welcomed all participating states and acknowledged President Tinubu’s support for grassroots sports under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He urged athletes to uphold honor and integrity throughout the festival.
The sports festival, which kicked off on May 16 and runs through May 30, features competitions in athletics, swimming, wrestling, basketball, and several other disciplines.
Source: Facebook|Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
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