Godwin Udoh
Barely 24 hours to kick off the National Youths Game in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the athletes have lamented the poor state of the stadium especially hockey pitch and hotels.
When The Nigeria Xpress visited the hockey pitch and hostel in Okpanam area of the state capital, it was observed that the hockey pitch whose contract was awarded by the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, five years ago, is still under construction.
It was also observed that the hostel where Team Delta is camping at the precincts of the hockey, not in good condition as the roof were linking.
Over ten athletes are currently camping in one room with three to two matress, even as they complained poor feeding as many of them seen buying noodles with their money.
At Dennis Osadebay University hotels, it was also observed that some of the mattress were not enough even as many of the mattress were rejected by Team Anambra
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, while inspecting facilities on the 8th National Youth Games scheduled to kick-off in Asaba, on Thursday, said we are ready to host National Youths Games in. Asaba.
The Governor, who inspected the swimming pool, shooting range and other facilities at the Indoor Sports Hall, was conducted round by Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, and top officials of the State Sports Commission.
He said 5,776 athletes from 29 states had arrived and registered for the games ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony.
He said: “We are ready for hosting of the National Youth Games. You know, tomorrow is the opening ceremony. As at this morning, 29 states have arrived and 5,776 athletes have been registered already. I am sure that this year will be better than last year.
“There is good result from hosting these games because, you can see this last Olympics in Paris, Favour Ofili did very well even though she did not win a medal. She is a product of this games.
“So, in this year’s games, we are looking for a talent better than Ofili. I assure our people that this year will be better than last year.”
Governor Oborevwori disclosed this while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting facilities at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the state capital, which is the main venue for the games.
