By;JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Team Kaduna dazzled in its traditional colours as the 8th Edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) was declared open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
The colourful opening ceremony, saw contingents from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participate in a march past with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Eno as Special Guest of Honour.
After the march past, the officials represented, took official oath, pledging to abide by the rules of the games.
Declaring the 8th NYG open, President Tinubu said that the games is devoted to talent hunting.
He said focusing on grassroots sports development is key to boosting the sector.
He said the NYG was continue as a nurturing ground for sports.
Lamenting the declining of sports in the country, he blamed aging of athletes, assuring that coaches are on ground to discover athletes.
“In our world, sports plays a crucial role in creating wealth and peace,” he added.
He commended the Delta State Government for being excellent hosts of the NYG, adding that he was highly impressed with the opening ceremony of the 8th edition, compared to the 7th held last year.
He also commended the 36 states governors and the FCT for their continuous support to the NYG.
Earlier in his remarks, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Honourable Sherrif Oborevwori commended the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for its continuous organizing of the NYG.
He appealed to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to revert to the initial age of U-17 for the NYG.
Delta Governor welcomed the over 6,000 athletes and 1,000 officials to Asaba, urging them to enjoy the hospitality of the oil rich state.
It would be recalled that hosts Delta are the defending champions of the NYG.
