Zonal Eliminations: Nasarawa State Urges Athletes To Show Sportsmanship
By Amina Mohammed, Lafia.
Ahead of the North Central Zonal Elimination competitions for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Nasarawa State athletes have been urged to display good sportsmanship and represent their state with pride and integrity, on and off the field.
The Commissioner of Youth and Sport Development, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta, stated this while bidding farewell to the athletes at Ministry of Youth and Sport headquarters in Lafia, the State capital.
He charged the contingent to be good ambassadors of the State and strive for excellence in their respective events.
“I am confident that you all have what it takes to make our State proud at the Zonal Eliminations of the National Sports Festival in Jos,” he said.
“Just know that you are not only competing for yourselves, but for the entire State and His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor, who continues to accord premium priority to youth and sports development. “
“So, go out there and give it your best shot by clinching all the available slots available for the North Central Zone for team sports events”, he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Alhassan, equally assured the contingent of the State Government’s support and encouragement, adding that everything necessary to make the contingent successful at the competition had been provided.
“I make bold to say the Government of Engr. Abdullahi Sule has provided you with the best modalities,” Dr. Alhassan said. “The onus now lies on you to replicate the gestures and benevolence of the Government and make us proud.”
In response, Sani Mohammed of the State Volleyball team, who spoke on behalf of the Coaching Staff, said the contingent is determined to make the State proud. He appreciated the Government and Ministry for facilitating the participation of Team Nasarawa at the Zonal Eliminations.
Also, Captain of the State’s Basketball Team, Modupe Lawrence Omojola, who spoke on behalf of the athletes, assured the Commissioner and State Government of bringing glory to the State.
“On behalf of my fellow athletes, I want to most sincerely thank the State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and the entire Ministry for your support,” he said.
“We are more than determined to make our State proud as we will work hard, play with passion, and give our all to ensure that we come out on top.”
Team Nasarawa Contingent to the Zonal Eliminations comprises a total of 172 members, including 116 Athletes, Sixteen Coaches, Five Secretaries, Seven Accompanying Officials and Twenty-eight State Delegates, spread into 103 Males and 55 Females.
The team will be participating in team events, which include Football (Men), Basketball (Men and Women), Handball ( Men), Hockey (Men and Women) and Volleyball (Men and Women).
The 2025 National Sports Festival Zonal Eliminations are scheduled to take place from Monday, 24th – Friday 28th February, 2025 in Jos, Plateau State. Only the top two teams will advance to represent the Zone at the main National Sports Festival competition in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in May, this year.
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