By PATRICK ABANG, Calabar-
Ahead of the 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba Delta State, the Cross River State Government has sent 150 athletes to participate in eight different games Including football, cycling and cricket.
Cross River State Commissioner for sports, Agnes Atsu while speaking to newsmen ahead of the departure of Athletes, sports officials and stakeholders in Calabar, said the 150 athletes departing the state which comprises of six teams have been camped and trained for over a period of one month.
The Commissioner expressed optimism that they do not have any reason to return from Delta state without the expected glory.
“The Governor is expecting us to return with Laurels, So I charged them to live up to expectations to be determined to know that we are not going to lose,” she said.
“They should go with a determination to win and be of high spirits knowing that they have a governor that is interested in their affairs.”
She continued, “The Governor as we’re on the way traveling, he and his wife are on their knees praying for them to come back without any crash.”
Mrs Atsu who said that she had spoken to the drivers of the vehicles that the lives of these young ones have been entrusted into their hands, cautioned them that they have to drop any form of recklessness.
“We have the police traveling with them to make sure their security is guaranteed on the road,” she said
She rhetorically asked Why will they not win, when at the national they have the minister of sports development come from Cross River State.
She also promised that when they come back she will invite the entire state to come to U.J Esuene Sports Stadium for the celebration.
While passionately thanking the parents of the children for releasing them, Mrs Atsu noted it was not easy to release their children, because some of them are underage while some of them are less than 15 years old.
“And their parents release them to us is because they have trust in the governor of Cross River State and the management of the ministry,” she explained.
“I am assuring them that their children are in good hands. I have sent an advance team earlier before today to prepare for their accommodations and feedings.”
On their part, the athletes expressed optimism that with their intensive training, they are sure of winning gold medals in different fields of the games.
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