The Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, has called for the harnessing of the power of sports to unite youths and build a future filled with opportunities.
He stated this on Tuesday in Benin, while declaring open the South-South zonal eliminations for ball games ahead of the National Sports Festival from May 16 to 30 in Ogun State.
Enabulele noted that sports had always been a powerful tool for unity, discipline, and youth empowerment, describing the zonal elimination games as a crucial stage to the journey to the National Sports Festival.
As we gather here today, let us remember that beyond competition, this event is an opportunity to foster friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect among our young athletes,” he said.
We must continue to harness the power of sports to unite our youths and build a future filled with opportunities for them.
To our athletes from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross river, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta State, I urge you to compete with passion, determination, and sportsmanship.
You are not just representing your states but also showcasing the strength and talent of the South-South region. Give it your best, and let your performance speak for itself,” Enabulele said.
He urged the officials to be fair and impartial, adding, “The credibility of this tournament depends on your integrity, and we expect nothing but unbiased and professional judgment to ensure that the best teams emerge victorious,” he said.
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator of National Sports Commission, Peter Njoku, gave the number of participating athletes to be 688 (310 males and 378 females) competing in the various events.
He expressed confidence that athletes from the South-South would emerge winners of the event.
Athletes from the six States of the South-South zone, namely, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers Akwa Ibom and Cross River, are participating in the elimination.
