An unusual scenario played out at the beach volleyball event of the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, as players were left in dismay because they were uncomfortable playing on the hot sand after competition officials failed to cool the playing surface with water.
One of the players affected by the oversight was Uzorkwe Oluebube Esther of Imo State, who disclosed to sports247.ng that she and her colleague were eager to play, but the game had to be postponed.
Although she also disclosed that she was not feeling too well, Uzorkwe stressed that she would have gone ahead to play had the officials cooled the surface as expected.
Uzorkwe stated, “The officials were supposed to have poured water on the ground because it was too hot for us to play on it.
“Although I am not feeling too well, that was not why the match did not take place, and it was not a walkover.
“They were supposed to pour water on the ground so that it would be cool, but they didn’t. The sand was too hot and it was burning my feet”
The soft-spoken lass from Imo State, however, pointed out that she is enjoying her stay in the Delta State capital, adding that she would love to be in the Youth Games again next year.
“I have not seen much of the competition, but coming here has been interesting for me, and I’ve been able to meet a lot of new people.
“I would like to come to this competition again next year, if I am selected by my state,” Uzorkwe revealed.
