Eight-year-old gymnast Miss Esther Fatayo, proudly representing Team Ogun at the 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, has expressed her ambitious goal of clinching medals at the competition.
In a statement to journalists in Asaba on Saturday, Fatayo acknowledged the challenges she faces but affirmed her unwavering determination to showcase her abilities and excel at the games.
“I am here to win medals. I am not intimidated at all by the size and age of other gymnasts because I came here prepared.
“I want to do my state proud and by the grace of God, I will be going back home with medals,” Fatayo said.
In a notable achievement, Miss Goodness Ogodo, representing Team Delta, secured the first gold medal of the 7th National Youth Games in the 44kg weightlifting category. Her remarkable victory was rewarded with a cash prize of N100,000, generously presented by Chief Donatus Aguejidike, a prominent figure in Nigerian sports, and a former president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN).
Furthermore, Mrs. Chinoye Aliyu, the president of the Aquatic Federation of Nigeria and a member of the Main Organizing Committee, disclosed that the top-performing athletes at the 7th National Youth Games would have the honor of representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago. She emphasized that Delta State had made thorough preparations to ensure the smooth and successful hosting of the youth games in 2023.
Aliyu pointed out that the 2023 edition of the games presented a unique opportunity for Nigerian athletes to make their mark on the Commonwealth stage, with the Commonwealth Youth Games scheduled to take place in Trinidad and Tobago from August 4th to 11th, 2024.
“We are here for every sport. We are here to get the best that would represent Nigeria in the Commonwealth Youth Games.
“For us in swimming, we will ensure that we are in contact with the best swimmers, no matter which state they come from.
“We will keep in touch with them to ensure a good outing in Trinidad and Tobago,” Aliyu said.
She urged all the participating athletes to be good ambassadors of their states and eschew acts capable of Jeopardising their future. (NAN)
