‘Delta Will Retain National Youth Games Title Held Since 2013’, Okowa Assures On Ilorin Meet
The Oasis Reporters
September 8, 2018
By Aloysius Okerieke
The Chairman Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa has assured that the state contingent to the fourth National Youth Games at Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, will work to retain the title that they have been winning since its inception in 2013.
The Chairman made the assertion yesterday in the press briefing organized to inform the people of efforts so far put in place for the youth games that the State has won for three times consecutively ; first at Abuja in 2013 at its inception including the second and third editions in 2016 and 2017 at Ilorin.
He observed that the initial age bracket of 17 years limit has been reduced to 15 years and his Commission has made frantic efforts to ensure that those who are above the age limit were screened out during the first two days of the camping to allow for proper preparation which started August 18 and has kept them in camp for the two weeks to get them set for the championship.
Chief Okowa noted that given all issues, “proper consideration in terms of abiding by the rules of the adherence to the age limit where every athlete is within the given age bracket, then I can assure you that Delta State will win as usual based on the fact that they have been well prepared and are capable of winning as they have always done but if the matter of qualification is handled haphazardly, measures will be taken to address it promptly” he said
He believes that bringing it down to 15 years age bracket makes it more difficult for coaches which they actually attested to but assured him of reasonable progress that can attract the most desired victory, with all things being equal.
The Chairman disclosed that some of the kits were imported and athletes have been able to practice with them so that they will be accustomed to them when they get to the Games Village in the tournament and would not find them strange or difficult to apply.
On assisting the organizers financially, he disclosed that the Commission had cause to assist in the last edition as they were approached for it when there were some issues that could disturb the smooth running of the games but not that the state would be releasing funds frivolously except there is need to do so as everyone has major needs that must be met.
Okowa urged Deltans to pray for the team to come back with the trophy at the end of the games.
