Bayelsa Emerged Champions Of NDDC Maiden Sports Festival
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
Bayelsa State have been declared winners of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Sports Festival, claiming 42 Gold medals, 29 Silver and 15 Bronze in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Delta finished second with 41 Gold, 26 Silver and 32 Bronze medals, while Team Edo came third with 23 Gold, 35 Silver and 31 Bronze medals to complete the top three States.
The closing ceremony at the the Uyo Township Stadium, was filled with fanfare, as musicians entertained the spectators, displaying some of Niger Delta rich traditional attires and culture.
The maiden edition of NDDC Sports Festival had 313 athletes across the Niger Delta States competed for honours in 17 sporting events, across different venues in Uyo.
In an interview with Sports Journalists at the Uyo Township Stadium, Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi attributed the success story to the synergy and dedication of the state government, sports administrators, and the athletes.
He stated that the commitment and hard work of the athletes and coaches ahead of the festival were exceptional, which has paid off, as God has crowned their tireless efforts with the trophy.
Sir Wodi also commended the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri for making sports one of his cardinal agenda, which has transformed the subsector, as well the relentless efforts of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Sports Development Commissioner, Hon. Daniel Igali.
“As the saying goes, there is dignity in labour and of course not forgetting the God factor, and I can say God is on our side in this competition. Our target was to be on the podium.”
“In the first five days of this competition we were second, so we went back and rallied round ourselves to perform better in the remaining events. Two days to go we came tops and we never looked back. Although it was a close fight between we and Delta, but we maintained the lead till the end.”
The renowned sports administrator stressed the impact of winning the Niger Delta Sports Festival on the state, as it will boost the morale of the athletes and coaches, ahead of the National Sports Festival.
“This competition is a closes competition, under twenty five, the National Sports Festival is an open competition with Nigerians in the diaspora eligible to contest. But what I can say is that we are going to put in our best so that we will hold our own.”
The Director of Sports concluded by congratulating the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for the successful event, adding that if hosted annually, will create more opportunities for the teeming youths.
