Henry Babatunde, the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, has emphasized the state’s commitment to nurturing local talents as they participate in the seventh edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. A total of 83 athletes from Ondo will compete in 19 different sports during the Games, which will run until September 30. Babatunde highlighted Team Ondo’s past achievements and expressed their determination to secure more medals with an increased number of participants in this year’s edition.
“We have always been proud of showcasing athletes that we nurtured over the years at every edition of the Youth Games and that is not going to be different this year,” Babatunde told our correspondent.
“Even before the National Youth Games came up, we were known for producing some of the top athletes in the country in wrestling, athletics, weightlifting, and many other sports.”
Ahead of their participation in Asaba, he noted that the contingent had adequate preparations and the 19 selected sports they will be taking part in are events where the state has comparative advantages.
“The athletes and officials are in a very high mood ahead of them. They were in a closed camp and we have been able to do everything necessary, and I believe they will surpass their performance from the last edition,” he said.
“Ondo State will be participating in 19 sports which include; boxing, badminton, karate, wrestling, judo, and athletics among others.
According to him, the athletes will be supported by 25 coaches and 10 organizing secretaries who will serve as officers and medical personnel.
The Ondo contingent arrived in Asaba Thursday ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday.
