The Bayelsa state government has fulfilled the two hundred thousand naira cash promises to gold medalists at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival, Delta 2022 in Asaba.
One hundred thousand naira went to each Silver Medalist as fifty thousand naira was given to each bronze medalist for each athlete that wins a medal for the state at the showpiece.
Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali said the fulfillment of the promises became imperative following the impressive outing of team Bayelsa.
He explained that the cash is just an incentive to appreciate and motivate them for their commitment and doggedness since the commencement of the National Sports Festival.
He stated that the government would reward their efforts bountifully when they return.
The Commissioner who was accompanied by the Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi noted that the prosperity government was committed to giving sports a new face having shown promises in different sports.
He thanked Governor Douye Diri and his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their unflinching support towards sports development as well as giving premium attention to athletes’ welfare.
In a response, an athlete Yellow Yeigha, opined that with the performance of Team Bayelsa so far in the spectacle, he was optimistic of a podium finish, stressing that the gesture would spur them to do more for the state.
While appreciating the commissioner and the Director of Sports for the fatherly role they have played so far in the festival, he lauded the governor of Bayelsa state for giving priority to athlete’s welfare.
Host Delta still leads with 303 medals, 159 gold, 88 Silver, 55 Bronze.
Team Bayelsa are currently second position in the official table with 115 medals, comprising 44 gold, 27 Silver, 44 Bronze, Edo are third with 145 medals: 32 gold, 45 Silver, 68 bronze.
Zamfara and Gombe are yet to record any medal as of the time of filing this report as the event approaches its climax.
