Janet Bassey, Secretary of Track and Field for Akwa Ibom State, has shared her hopes and thoughts ahead of the athletics events at the ongoing National Sports Festival, speaking during an interview with Sports247 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
Bassey expressed optimism about Akwa Ibom’s chances in the competition, praising the performance of the state’s athletes so far in other sports, while looking forward to more victories when the track and field events begin.
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“I’m just looking forward to the best for my state in other sports. They are doing quite great, but we are still expecting more. We are here to shine and let the world know there is a state called Akwa Abasi Ibom. As we will be starting on the 23rd, the best is yet to come,” she told Sports247.
Speaking on the organisation of the festival, Bassey said things have gone smoothly, but pointed out one challenge—transportation.
“The only challenge we have is the distance between where the athletes are staying in Babcock University and the competition venue here at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. It takes about one hour and thirty minutes to get here, and that could affect performance, especially for runners who may feel tired even before competing.”
However, she commended the Akwa Ibom State government for taking steps to solve the issue.
“Our athletes are being taken care of. For those competing here at the stadium, arrangements have been made to move them closer to Abeokuta to avoid fatigue. I think that’s the best any state can do.”
Track and field events are set to begin soon, and Bassey believes Team Akwa Ibom is ready to make a strong impact when the action gets underway.
