Niger state government North Central Nigeria has promised athletes representing the state at the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), holding in Asaba, Delta state southern part of the Country a big reward for any medals.
The state Commissioner Sports and Youths Development, MalamYusuf Suleiman, made the disclosure while addressing the athletes at the end of an open camping set up by the ministry.
Suleiman said all the promises made to the athletes at the opening camping exercise had been fulfilled including payment of allowances and other things requested by the athletes
The Commissioner urged the athletes to represent the good people of Niger and make the state the proud.
“I am not going to make any commitment but I assure you that you will be rewarded for any medal you get for the state. So, I urge you to do it for yourself and for the state.”
Mal Yusuf Suleiman also said the state Government has set all what it takes to make the Athletes happy in Asaba during the games to make them comfortable as 50 percent of their allowances will be paid to them before their departure and the remaining 50 percent including other bonuses will be paid to them during the festival.
Also speaking at closing of the open camp the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of sports and youths Development, Yunusa Tanimu, charged the state athletes to remain focus and target gold medal in their respective events as government is willing to support there efforts
“Is a promise that any athlete or team that makes the state proud will be highly appreciated.”
Responding on behalf of the athletes, Femi Tunji a hand ball player, appreciated the Commissioner and his management team for fulfilling their promises made during and after the open camp and promised to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring Team Niger return home with medals for the state, Ninety six athletes represent the State at the on going National sports festival in Delta.
During the one-week open camp the athletes received two thousand naira as training allowance while the coaches and secretaries of the teams received three thousand as there allowances.
As promised the state Government release the 50% of the allowances to the athletes before departing to Asaba on Monday 28 November for the Games.
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