The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa, is confident that the state will defend its title and surpass the medals won at the last games during the 2023 National Youth Games starting September 20 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Okowa’s optimism stems from the ongoing intensive camp of 560 athletes at Stephen Ikesh Stadium, Asaba Stadium, Austin Okocha Stadium, Ogwashi Uku and Okpanam Town, located in the Oshimili Northern Council area of the state.
He said: “Just like our Team Delta slogan says: If it’s not right, force it, which literally means that our athletes are raised with the attitude and approach of never giving up.” In the sixth edition, the won Team Delta 60 gold medals. We wish they would do better this time. We must show others that Delta is and will remain the birthplace of sport in Nigeria. Thank God for our Governor, His Excellency the Hon. “Sheriff Oborevwori is so passionate about sports that he has given us all the support we need, and I am sure that Team Delta will not only retain the title but also our performance and dominance in some sports will improve that we have missed.”
Likewise, the Commission’s Director General, Chris Anaziah, believes that the athletes selected to represent the state after the closed camp will excel at the festival.
“We can get started. Our athletes are already close to camps in various locations across the state. “We have given them the preparation that will enable them to perform well in the games and we hope it will be a really good performance,” he said.
The closed camp training sessions are handled by experienced coaches and technical officials of the Delta State Sports Commission, authorized by Okowa to strictly adhere to the training programs to prepare the players for battle ahead of the games that the Delta team is expected to take part in as the host country will take part in all 34 sports activities.
As expected, with good results Under the leadership and intensive preparation under the support of the State Governor, Team Delta is on track to surpass the medals won in the last edition and become champions.
Sources from the Delta team camp say that all athletes are fit and well prepared for the action, that none of them have been injured and that Team Delta with the support of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will be ready to take part in the seventh edition of the games in. Delta State Capital, Asaba, September 20 to 30, 2023
During the 6th edition organized at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, the Delta team emerged after winning 60 gold medals, 26 silver medals and 28 Bronze medals six victories in the six national youth competition games. from 2013 when Abuja hosted the first edition which Cross River State won.
