Games Village opens for 8th National Youth Games

The Games village for the 8th National Youth Games, tagged Asaba 2024, will open Monday ahead of the opening ceremony set for Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.

Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games scheduled to run from September 9 to 19 at the same venue, Festus Ohwojero, said on Sunday that all the venues scheduled to host the athletes would start operating on Monday (today).

Ohwojero, who is the Director-General of Delta Sports Commission, stated that the over 5,000 athletes competing at the Games would be camped at different venues, including the Dennis Osadebay University, the Sports Commission hostel, Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), and Infant Jesus Academy.

Organisers of the Games have assured all athletes of health insurance in case of medical emergency during the competition.

Chairman, NYG media subcommittee, Harrison Ocholor, revealed that all athletes are covered during the period of the competition in accordance with standard practice worldwide.

He stated that the health and overall wellbeing of the young athletes participating in the competition is key and is being taken seriously by the organisers.

He advised all states’ contingents to compete fairly, as the organisers would not tolerate any form of cheating throughout the Games.

“The technical committee from the Sports Ministry and those based in the state will ensure that athlete screening is not compromised.”

Meanwhile, Team Sokoto are talking tough ahead of the games, with the State Director of Sports, Alhaji Abdulhakim Yakubu, expressing utmost confidence in their preparedness.

The Games will witness the participation of Team Sokoto’s U-15 female handball team, U-15 male handball team, U-15 male volleyball team, and the U-15 football team.

Following their victories in the zonal competition, Yakubu is optimistic of Team Sokoto surpassing their past mark this year.

He thanked the state governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for his unwavering support and dedication to elevating sporting activities in the state.

“This milestone marks a historic first for Sokoto, and the teams are poised to make their mark,” he said.

He also commended the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Jamilu Umar, for his contributions to the team’s success.

Yakubu, however, charged the athletes to remain focused and determined, emphasising that they are on the verge of creating history.