By Uzor Odigbo
Delta State, the Organiser of the 8th National Youth Games NYG has assured all Athletes taking part in the competition in Asaba of health insurance in case of medical emergency from the competition.
In an interview with a television station, the Chairman NYG media sub-committee Harrison Ocholor assured that all Athletes are covered during the period of the competition which is the standard practice worldwide.
He insisted that the health and overall wellbeing of Young athletes participating in the competition is key and is being taken seriously by the organisers.
Ocholor also addressed the issues of athletes’ accommodation and competition venues which he alluded to as top notch.
“I can tell you that Delta State is ready to host and host well. All competition venues and hostels for athletes accommodation and competitions are ready and in top shape.”
The ace broadcaster also assured that all states contingent should strive to compete fairly as organisers abhor cheating in all its ramification.
“The technical Committee from the Sports Ministry and those based in the state will ensure that Athletes Screening is not compromised.”
Ocholor however stoutly denied insinuations and claims that Delta State usually hosts to win the National Youth Games which suggests the state may have allegedly been deploying over-age Athletes in its Team.
In his response, he said, “Delta State has a steady sports development programme for youths and schools in the state.
“Our athletes compete all year round. We can’t afford to be hosting and winning with over age athletes when there are legions of turn-over of Young Athletes from schools to compete for state. Such alleged claims are baseless. We hosted and won last year, other states should be free to emulate Delta State and invest in sports.”
The National Youth Games kicks off on September 9th and ends on the,19th, while opening ceremony commence on 12th