Enugu State Under-15 Youth Games has commenced with the Commissioner for Youth and Sports,Lloyd Ekweremadu expressing confidence that the state will do well in the National Youth Games coming up in September in Asaba, judging by the skills athletes displayed in events held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu.
Pix- Commissioner for Youth and Sports Lyold Ekweremadu Jnr ( m).
He made his impression known on Thursday , in an interview with Newsmen shortly after the kick-off of the Games held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu.
The Commissioner said the event was aimed at selecting Athletes that will represent the state at the national youth Games that will be held in Asaba, Delta state in September. He said the 4*4 meters, the 100 meters Relay races and the Football match between Udenu Local Government Area and Nkanu West LGA played at the opening of the Games were impressive and had given him confidence. that the state will do well in the National Youth Games in Asaba.
Pix- Udenu L.G.A . Football team(White) and Nkanu West L.G.A team( Lemon)
On the reason for organizing the event which was put together by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the China Communications Construction Company( CCCC ) the Commissioner said the Governor is interested in social and economic development of Enugu state and sports is a veritable tool for such development.
According to him, this is a holiday period and the championship will keep the youth busy as well as take their minds off social ills.
“We have holidays now and it is important to erase vices and the championship is to channel the energy of the youth into sports. We have the National Youth Games coming up in September, 2024 . The Enugu youth game will help us select Athletes for the game. There will be transparency in the selection.
“I am very impressed with what I have seen so far, the 4*4 meters race was impressive. Just watching those relay races, it has made me to be confident. The football march half- time we have seen between Udenu and Nkanu West local Government areas were quite impressive. It has given me the confidence to prepare for the national youth Games in Asaba., ” Ekweremadu said.
Speaking on the welfare of the Athletes and the officials , the Commissioner said all Athletes , coaches and other officials were paid in the 2023 sports championship. He hinted that under his watch, there was no issue as per renumeration. ” We made sure that our officers and Athletes were duely paid,” he said.
He commended the state Governor Dr Peter Mbah for his support, China Communications Construction Company CCCC, for their partnership and the media for their support . He assured continuous good working relationship with the media.
The Youth Games which started on Tuesday with the screening of 680 Athletes participating in various sporting events will come to an end in Monday, August 26,2024. A number of 40 Athletes were drawn from each of the 17 L.G.A of the state, bringing the total to 680.The Youth Games features 18 events and overall winner (Local Government Area) will take home N1million, second position will go home with N500,000.00 while third position will take home a sum pf N300,000.00.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama
