Team Ondo arrived in Uyo on Sunday evening, becoming the first state contingent to arrive for the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), which is set to commence on April 1.
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The delegation, comprising 313 athletes and 56 coaches, was warmly received by members of the Festival’s Accommodation, Transport, and Administration Committees.
These officials ensured a seamless transition to their camp after the team completed their accreditation process.
Due to the long travel distance and the need to move at a steady pace with their large convoy, Team Ondo opted to arrive ahead of the official arrival date.
Itiako Ikpokpo, Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, emphasized the festival’s commitment to providing participants with a memorable experience.
He acknowledged that the committee made arrangements to receive Team Ondo earlier than scheduled, incurring additional costs to accommodate them.
Expressing gratitude, Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, the team leader and Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, commended the organizers for their warm reception.
“We truly appreciate the organizers’ generosity in hosting us earlier than planned. This welcome reassures us that the festival will live up to expectations based on our previous engagements,” she stated.
For several athletes, this marks their first opportunity to compete in a major sporting event outside their state. They expressed gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for making their participation possible.
Michael Akinsiku, captain of the Athletics team, shared his excitement: “After qualifying through local government trials and excelling in the state finals last week, this journey felt like a dream until we finally boarded the vehicle. Arriving here is an incredible experience, and I am eager to make the most of it.”
The Niger Delta Sports Festival, scheduled from April 1-8, will feature 17 sports across five venues. Extensive renovations have been carried out at the designated facilities, including the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary School, and Ultrafit Sports Centre.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to officially inaugurate the festival at a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, April 2.
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