The Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission Olympian Yusuf Alli has commended the Edo State Cycling Association Board, the coaches, athletes as well as other sports associations in the state for their immense contributions to the progress made so far in the development of sports in Edo state.
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The sports commission Boss gave the commendation on Wednesday, through the acting Permanent Secretary of the commission Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa during a reception ceremony organized by the Edo Cycling Association Board in honour of their athletes Osaretin Godwin and Divine Ogbe who made them proud at the just concluded 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta state.
In his remarks, Dr Igbinosa said that the state sports commission was Impressed by the performance of the young athletes at the 2023 Asaba Youth Game.
He expressed his appreciation of Mr. Stephen Izedomwen, a UK-based member of the Edo State Cycling Association Board who sponsored the reception ceremony and donated gift items, including cycling equipment in honor of the Gold medalists and support for the Edo Cycling Association.
He described Mr. Izedomwen as one of the pioneer cyclists in Edo state who rode with him in their time as athletes. He added that bringing Izedomwen into the Edo Cycling Association Board is a blessing, owing to his immense contributions so far.
Speaking at the reception ceremony, the Edo Cycling Board member Mr Stephen Izedomwen who rewarded the two gold medalists Osaretin Godwin and Divine Ogbe with undisclosed cash gifts in addition to cycling helmets and other kits, promised to expose the talented athletes to the international stage of cycling competitions.
He said that he was already reaching out to some cycling associations in the UK with a view to creating an opportunity for Osaretin Godwin and Divine Ogbe to participate in cycling events in the United Kingdom next year.
” I am donating these items to support our athletes on behalf of the Edo Cycling Association Board and Odighi Grammar School Old Boys Association. Whatever I do, I carry my Odighi Grammar School Association along.
I am impressed with the performance and dedication of these children and we are willing to do anything possible to take them abroad for exposure to international competitions. We need to further encourage them.” Izedomwen said.
The head coach Bello Orogho and his assistants were not left out in the recognition and rewards put together by Mr Stephen Izedomwen.
At the 7th Youth Games in Asaba, Divine Ogbe won Gold in the 40km road race and bronze in the point race. She won the first gold medal for Edo state at the Games while Osaretin Godwin won Gold in the point race and 10km time trials, with a Bronze in the 40km road race to help Edo finish in 3rd position closely behind Lagos state and host Delta state.
