Asaba, the Delta State Capital, came alive on Thursday, September 12, 2024, as the opening ceremony for the 8th edition of the National Youth Games took place.
Team Kano joined their counterparts from other states of the Federation, including FCT, for the ceremonial march past at the prestigious Late Stephen Keshi Stadium, before the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside dignitaries and spectators from different parts of the nation.
The ceremony commencement of the national multi-sport U-15 fiesta, which is being hosted for the second time by a Southern Nigerian state since its inception in 2013.
Team Kano athletes and officials were adorned in the breathtaking and eye-catching green and white tracksuit to the applause and admiration of thousands of spectators inside the field.
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, in his address, welcomed the participants to the host city, emphasising the importance of the games in the area of sports development both now and in the future.
Also, the Minister said the purpose of games is not only to promote sports but also to promote peace and unity for the boys and girls from faraway states in the North, East, West, and South.
On his part, the executive governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, welcomed participants to Delta State and said this year NYG there are a lot of changes, especially on age cheating.
He said that the development in sports is not just sports performance but is about the development of socioeconomic skills and promoting peace agendas and unity among the states and the nation.
He also said sporting events are declining; there is a need to promote and rebar sports in primary and secondary schools in order to catch them young.
The governor said that over 6,000 athletes and about 1000 athletes with special needs individuals are to compete in 36 sports.
Team Kano, who arrived in Asaba on the early morning of Wednesday after spending about 30 hours on the road, arrived with 145 contengets who will participate in 13 various sports out of the 36 sports.
The 8th National Youth Games will be close on Thursday, 19th September.
