By Uzor Odigbo
The Uncertainties surrounding the late commencement of National Youth Games has made state sports directors wondering as to when students would resume studies in their respective schools after the games.
A chat with some directors of sports who pleaded anonymity showed frustration and disbelief having expected screening of Athletes to have ended for competitions to start.
“By the programme we have, competitions ought to have commenced by September 20th knowing that the Games is a multi-sports events that go in series not straight finals.
“The real concern is when would Athletes that just resume school a few weeks ago if the Games original start-off late
The sports ministry, they noted, has to provide explanations as they signed an undertaking with the school Principals guaranteeing early return of students back to school.
They were however unanimous that competitions might be rushed to mitigate the time wasted, arguing that AthIetes have to bear the brunt.
The Sports Ministry technical staff responsible for the Games were sighted dragging their bags to the stadium on arrival from Abuja.
This development may have a snag to the delay being experienced.
One of the Delta State top coaches said by now, competitions ought to have commenced with swimming, cycling, table tennis, gymnastics etc before the opening ceremony on Saturday September 23rd, 2023.
However, some Local Organising Committee members did not regard the unofficial delay too dire for schools resumption, but described it as a learning curve in sports administration at the National level.
