The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare says the Federal Government is committed to implementing policies and programmes which would effectively boost sports at the grass roots in Nigeria.
Dare said this during the inauguration of the 2020 Abia State Schools Sports Festival and Okezie Ikpeazu Table Tennis Championship Cup that was held at Osusu-Amaukwa Primary School, Osusu community in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA).
The Minister, who was represented by Ademola Are, the ministry’s Director of Grassroots Sports Development, said “the Federal Government attaches great importance” to sports at the grass roots because of its impact on youth development.
He expressed dismay over the dwindling performance of Nigerian athletes in world sports competitions, adding that the development of sports at the grass roots would help however in addressing the issue.
Dare commended the state government for organising the sports event and described it as an opportunity to harness the potential of young people.
“Sports is a language that brings unity in Nigeria and this emphasises the importance of grassroots sports development,” he said.