The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, are overwhelmed by an unprecedented surge in athlete and official registrations, prompting a frantic scramble for additional space to accommodate the unexpected influx. Led by Olopade, top officials were seen navigating the lovgstical challenges as the opening ceremony approaches.
For the first time in the history of the Games in 2013, over 7,000 athletes and officials are in Asaba for the 9th edition, which will be declared open today by the chairman of the National Sports Commission NSC, Malkam Shehu Dikko on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
A member of the LOC, Festus Ohwojero said yesterday that they never envisage such large turn out of athletes.
“As we speak, we are making frantic arrangements to see how can cater for the over 7,000 athletes. For the first time since the NYG began in 2013, we have not recorded this high number of athletes and officials. In the past, some states, particularly those in the north do come with low number of athletes. But right now, all the states stormed Asaba with unprecedented numbers. But we won’t turn them back. This is Delta State and we will see what we can do to make everyone Happy,” Ohwojero stated.
The 9th edition is the third time Delta State is hosting the Games.
Asked if Team Delta has the capacity to defend
their title, going by threats from dome other States, Ohwojero said; “It is a National Youth Games and every state has the right to aspire for the title. I know that Team Delta is fully ready to defend their title, but if any other state is better prepared, we will accept the result. As I said, Delta State is ready to defend the title.
On what to expect in today’sopening ceremony, Ohwojero stated that some top music stars and traditional dancers will entertain the athletes and spectators.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade and some other top officials from Abuja arrived Asaba yesterday evening in preparation for the opening ceremony today.
