By Uzor Odigbo
The Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, will witness thrilling scenes as the flag-off of the 7th National Youth Games with 4500 Athletes participating.
Indications are also rife that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier listed to declare the Games open on Sept 23rd would, be represented at the ceremony.
The Youth Games with inscription, “We are the Future” had churned out generations of talented top AthIetes over the years for the country namely, Gloria Alozie, Mable Madojiemu, Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Divine Oduduru, Ashie Favour etc.
A few of them are now encouraging young talents by organising grassroots AthIetics competitions across the country.
Meanwhile, States already in Asaba for the Games were sighted on Wednesday concluding their training for the main Competitions scheduled to commense on Friday.
Over 4500 youths and 800 officials are set to participate in the 7th National Youth Games billed to hold in Asaba Delta Capital, Chairman, Delta Sports Commission, Local organising Committee Chairman Tonobok Okowa told Journalists in Asaba.
He also informed that youths from the thirty six states and Federal Capital Territory will compete in the ten day event.
Pointing out that athletes will participate in 35 events during the festival which will commence from 20th to 30th September.
Notable Musicians will entertain the expected crowd.
Accordingly, from the gate to the main bowl and other competition centre, facilities for the Games have been installed as workers were sighted putting finishing touches in stadium gymnastics hall.
The Youth Games is scheduled to begin on September 20 while the Closing Ceremony on September 30.
Expectedly, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has also given a marching order to the Local Organising Committee to ensure that this edition of the Youth Games is the biggest and best organised to deliver the most memorable sporting experience to young athletes, officials and to resident and visiting sports fans.
However, Delta Sports Commission Chairman Chief Tonobok Okowa has expressed delight with the number of States participating in the Games and assures that Delta State as usual, would be a good host.
The capital Asaba and its environs appear ready to welcome the young AthIetes to the Games, as market people have started displaying banners of various inscriptions wooing participants to purchase them.
The local organising Committee (LOC) Chairman also assured on security, insisting that all routes leading in and outside the competition venues and hostels have been tightly secured.
However, Prices of Commodities like bread, soft drinks, T-shirts, fruits of all kinds and Banners of various state’s contingents etc, have suddenly increased owing to high demand. Vehiculer traffic have also increased giving traffic wardens hectic time.
Gladly, the young AthIetes participating in the games are excited, ready and for some of them, it’s their first competition, traveling long distances at this level.