5 interesting things to know about the National Youth Games which begins in Asaba

5 interesting things to know about the National Youth Games which begins in Asaba

Hassan Abdulsalam 14:39 - 23.09.2023

As the battle begins in Asaba, Delta State, here are five interesting things to know about the Youth Games.

The seventh edition of the National Youth Games will begin today in Asaba, with athletes across the country set to battle fo laurels in different games.

As the battle begins in Asaba, Delta State, here are five interesting things to know about the Youth Games.

1. Over 4000 Young athletes are set to Compete

No fewer than 4,500 athletes will compete for honours in 30 games across multiple venues in Asaba with the Stephen Keshi Stadium being the leading Venues for the games.

Youths playing cricket at the National Youth Games

Some of the Games include athletics, basketball, cricket, chess, football, judo, golf, handball, scrabble, Taekwondo and volleyball.

2. NYG: Home of Talents

No doubt the National Youths games is home of Talents discovery as it is meant for children under the age of 15 years.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, said that the main goal of the Games will be to discover young talents for the country, who may take over the baton at the highest level in a few years.

“At this level of sports, our major focus as a nation will not be to win, but to provide a platform for new talents to find expression.

Minister of Sports, John Owan Enoh

“We want to have a working system that churns out talents for the nation, and at the same time provide a platform for these talented individuals to be the best version of themselves," Enoh said.

“The National Youth Games is for young athletes who are 15 years and under. It is at this level that we want to find the next Victor Osimhen, the heir apparent to Tobi Amusan, the protégés for Funke Oshonaike and Aruna Quadri, and many others," he concluded.

3. Tinubu to declare the games open in Asaba

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will declare the seventh edition of the National Youth Games open in Asaba, Delta state.

An official of the organizing committee confirmed to The Guardian, that they were expecting President Tinubu at the opening ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

He said, “What I know is that the Presidency is interested in this National Youth Games, and has demonstrated its commitment towards giving the youths a good foundation to begin their sporting career. From what we are hearing, our sports-loving President Tinubu is likely to be here for the opening ceremony on Saturday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

4. It Promises to be Sportainment

The NYG increasingly promising to be a breathtaking sports and entertainment festival as top music stars set to thrill the people, Boy Spyce, May D, Khaid and Cooler Lane to entertain the athletes and spectators during the event.

Boy Spyce and May D are billed to feature at the opening ceremony on Saturday, September 23, while Khaid and Cooler Lane are scheduled for the closing ceremony on September 30.

The initiative is in keeping with the promise of the state to present the National Youth Games like never before, to leave a memorable experience of sports and fun on the contingents and spectators.

Edo born Boy Spyce who is signed to Don Jazzy’s Marvin Records is easily remembered for his hit songs “EP” and “Folake” (Folake don pompous), and his breathtaking cover of Wizkid’s song, “Essence.”

5. Delta State keeps dominating

National Youths Games begins in Asaba

Delta state have won all the editions of the youth games, the last edition in Ilorin they won with 114 medals bagging 60 gold, 26 silver, and 28 bronze medals.

The South South state is hosting and has vowed to defend the title.

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