The chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Honourable Desmond Enabulele has described the upcoming reception of their Niger Delta Games winning contingent by the governor as an event for appreciation, motivation and encouragement of the athletes.
Sports247 gathered that Enabulele said as much while confirming that the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo will this Tuesday host the contingent that recently won the competition’s second edition at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
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He disclosed further that the grand reception for the athletes and sports stakeholders will commence at 12 noon inside Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City; after Governor Okpebholo personally invited the contingent for a victory get together in the capital.
Enabulele said, “The state government’s reception for Team Edo for emerging champions at the second Niger Delta Games is a huge appreciation, motivation and encouragement for our athletes to do more in subsequent national competitions.”
Sports247 gathered further that the conquest marked a returning to winning ways for Edo State and their second conquest of a major competition in Nigeria, since they hosted and won the 2002 National Sports Festival.
Over 3,000 athletes from nine states competed in 17 sports at the Games, during which Team Edo’s competitors were outstanding in weightlifting, wrestling, scrabble, athletics, boxing and swimming.
Edo State topped the final table with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze, with a total haul of 111 medals, ahead of Delta and champions of the first edition, Bayelsa; to end the hosts’ 24-year-wait for a major multi-sports title.
