Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye says Team Rivers’ ambition is to better last festival’s performance.
Speaking immediately after the Opening Ceremony, Iyaye, who came to cheer the team to victory praised Edo State for a befitting opening ceremony.
“First, I want to commend the government of Edo State for a wonderful job this evening. It was an awesome event considering several postponements of the festival. I think they did a very good job.
‘We want to better our last performance in the Games. That’s our ambition, but at the end of the day we will be able to ascertain if that is possible or not”.
Team Rivers placed second at the 19th National Sports Festival with 69 gold, 58 silver and 67 bronze medals, while Edo came third with 47 gold, 41 silver and 53 bronze medals.
It will be recalled that Team Rivers has so far won 2 gold medals, one of which came from judo.
The Commissioner remained optimistic that the state will add to her medals and be in a good position.
“For Team Rivers, this is just the beginning. We are hoping that at the end of the day we get more medals and be in a good position on the medal table”.
Reacting to the absence of fans at the stadium to cheer the athletes, he said, “Nothing else to say that unfortunately they cannot be here to support their darling team Rivers but be that as it may, all we need is prayers and support from Rivers”.
