…As Delta State gets nod to host 2022 edition
Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the State’s contingent to the just-concluded 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Edo, for emerging overall winners at the games.
Okowa’s message came as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, while declaring close the 20th edition of the festival – Edo 2020 – on Wednesday, announced Delta State as host of the 2022 edition.
Chief Dare said: “Congratulations to Delta State for emerging the overall winner of the games of the 2020 National Sports Festival. I am glad to note that the Federal government received bids to host the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival in 2022 from six states namely: Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Kaduna, Kano and Ogun. Following the evaluation of the bids and the physical visitation to the prospective states, I hereby announce Delta State as the next host of the National Sports Festival in 2022.
“I congratulate the government and people of Delta State for emerging the preferred State and wish them best of luck in the organisation of the 21st National Sports Festival,” the minister concluded.
And Okowa, through his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, commended the contingent for its outstanding performance and for sustaining the State’s winning streak at the sports fiesta.
According to him, Team Delta has again brought honour to the State by winning the competition for the sixth consecutive time.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate members of the victorious ‘Team Delta’ for, once again, bringing honour to our great State with their sixth consecutive win at the NSF.
“Just like I said before your departure to Benin for the games, you all went through trying times preparing for the 20th edition of the festival.
“I am glad that by the grace of God, with discipline, perseverance and motivation, you have once again brought the trophy home.
“Although we had a stiff contest from the host, we were able to maintain our unassailable lead, and we give God all the glory.
“Let me assure you that because you have kept your own side of the bargain by winning the competition again, the state government remains irrevocably committed to rewarding medalists at the competition,” Okowa said.
He commended the State’s Sports Commission and coaches of Team Delta for leading the contingent to victory.
The governor also lauded Edo State government for not only hosting the festival after several postponements, but doing so successfully. Team Delta, the defending champions of the competition, topped the table with 158 gold, 126 silver and 110 bronze medals, hauling a total of 394 medals.
The host, Edo, came second with 129 gold, 104 silver and 108 bronze medals, while Bayelsa won 56 gold, 55 silver and 58 bronze medals to place third.