The aim of organising the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival is to produce the next generation of athletes from the region for the country.
This much was stated by the festival’s Co-chairman of the Main Organising Committee and Project Consultant, Itiako Ikpokpo.
The festival, which is proudly supported by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is slated to hold between April 1st and 9th in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking in a chat with media in Lagos, Ikpokpo disclosed that all athletes that excel at the event would be well taken care of by giving them the opportunity to attend competitions in Nigeria, Africa and Europe.
He stated further that there would be prizes for the athletes who win gold, silver and bronze medals.
Ikpokpo said: “For those who do well at the event, they would be able to attend competitions both in Nigeria, African and Europe because it will strengthen them, it will give them confidence and build their capacity to be better.
“We may not have all the fund for that but the MD/CEO of NDDC Dr Samuel Ogbaku has assured that no matter how small the funding is, we would be able to provide for the after event management of these athletes as much as we can. I have that guaranteed from the MD/CEO of NDDC.”
It was reports that 3,000 athletes within the ages of 16-25 years will complete in 17 sports during the festival at different locations in Uyo.
Similarly, Ikpokpo confirmed that Niger Delta Sports Festival will be an annual event with the intention to add more sports in the subsequent edition.
“This is what we agreed to do in the first edition. As we progress, we will make progress with more sports; shooting, martial arts, Karate e.tc.” he said.
State trials and selection of athletes are scheduled to hold between March 21st and 23rd ahead of the sports festival