From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung has assured the athletes preparing for the forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Games scheduled for Nassau, Bahamas in July, that all their camp allowances would be paid on time.
Speaking when he visited the athletes’ camp at the Package B Hostel, National Stadium Abuja at the weekend, he urged them to believe in their ability to excel and back it up with hard work through consistent training and discipline.
“I came here to encourage you and to see how you all are faring in camp. I’m aware that you have already spent one month and would be leaving for the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas soon.
“I want you to believe in yourselves because self confidence will help you not only in your career as athletes, but also in life. Do your best and maintain a high level of discipline in camp. I urge you to be the best that you can to lift your career and also win laurels, not only for yourselves, but for our country, Nigeria.
“I want to assure you that all your camp allowances will paid in time without complaints but to whom much is given, much is also expected. We implore you to do your best and ensure that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted in the Bahamas during the Youth Commonwealth Games,” Dalung said.
Responding, the captain of the team and 17-year old 200m and 400m runner from Delta State, Miss Knowledge Omovoh, promised on behalf of the athletes, that they will make Nigeria proud.
Thanking the Minister, whose visit she said will boost the morale of the athletes, Omovoh said: “I want to thank you for finding time to visit us in camp today. We are grateful to you for your motivational talk. We promise that we will put in our best to make the country proud.”
Team Nigeria would be represented by 26 athletes taking part in seven sports namely; swimming, athletics, beach volleyball, cycling, boxing, tennis and judo.
The 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games which is the 6th edition will feature athletes between the ages of 14-18 years from 70 nations.