The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, will officially declare the National Youth Games open on Thursday, September 12 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
In anticipation of the event, Enoh stated the importance of upholding the integrity of the games by strictly adhering to the age requirement.
In a statement by Diana Mary-Nsan, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Sports Development, Enoh reiterated that the National Youth Games are intended for athletes 15 years of age and below, and any attempts at age cheating will not be tolerated.
He said: “As the name of the games implies, this competition is strictly for the youth. We are committed to providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents in a fair and transparent environment.
“The technical team has been instructed to ensure that only athletes within the age bracket of 15 years and below participate.
“Age cheating undermines the purpose of these games, and we will take firm measures to prevent it.”
Delta State, renowned for its rich sporting culture, is the host for this year’s event, and the stage is set for an exciting celebration of youth talent and sportsmanship.
The National Youth Games have become an important event in the nation’s sports calendar, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete at a national level and hone their skills.
The Games are also a key part of Nigeria’s talent identification and development strategy, helping to groom the next generation of sporting stars.
The Minister of Sports called on all participating states to embody the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, while urging spectators and fans to support the young athletes as they represent their states in various sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony promises to be a grand spectacle, with several dignitaries and sports stakeholders expected to attend in celebration of the future of Nigerian sports.
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