Kwara state will be fielding 132 athletes and 83 officials in 18 events for the 7th National Youth Games holding in Asaba, Delta state, with the state targeting areas of strength and comparative advantage in selecting the athletes.
Briefing newsmen at the Conference Room of the Kwara State Sports Commission today, Monday September 18th, 2023, the Executive Chairman, Mallam Bola Magaji added that the contingent will leave for Asaba on Wednesday, after the expiration of the closed camping observed for the purpose.
The events that the state will compete in are badminton, baseball, boxing, chess, cricket, cycling dart, fives, deaf athletics, golf, handball, judo, karate, scrabble, squash, swimmimg, table tennis and athletics.
Clarifying that the state deliberately abstrained from participating in the Zonal Elimination for team events to allow for total concentration on targeted games, he said that the aim was to justify the state’s participation in the Games, as the state cannot afford jamboree selections.
While commending the state government for providing the enabling environment for sports to strive in the state, Mallam Magaji said that the athletes were well equipped technically, and underwent both open and close camping in praparing for the Games.
“Kwara state recorded huge success in the history of the National Youth Games, as we are ranked between 1-10 positions on the medal table. We thank the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the prompt release of funds, and for infrastructural sports development in the state.
“The athletes generally went under intensive training for more than two months before the postponement. This gave us more leverages and ample time, prior to the main event, and athletes were engaged in open and closed camping, and the athletes and officials were paid their entitlements as at when due.
“The coaches, Secretaries and athletes were equally provided education and enlightenment on drug abuse and doping. We shall leave no stone unturned to achieve more success.
Kwara finished sixth in the last National Youth Games, after garnering 10 gold, 10 silver, and 12 bronze medals.
