Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has charged the state contingents to the 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, Delta, to exhibit excellence, and character and win many medals.
Soludo gave the charge while addressing the 249-man contingent at the Catholic Retreat Centre camp, Awka, before their departure to Asaba.
The governor, who was represented by Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, his Chief of Staff, also urged the athletes and officials to be good ambassadors of the state.
He said; “we have done it before! The State Ambassador, Mary Onyali whom you all know, conquered the world.
“Stephanie Onwuzulike, a daughter of the soil won Gold in Gymnastics in South Africa. Njideka Iheazu won Gold in Shot-put at Commonwealth Games, Scotland. Angus Emeadi also won Gold in wrestling.
“If these great ndi Anambra have done it, why not you? The good news we are expecting to receive after your two weeks stay at Asaba is for you to arrive with laurels.
“In the past one month, few Anambra Teachers and Students have made the State proud in the education sector.
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“Last week, the torch was brought from Enugu to Anambra; Dr Alex Ekwueme Square Awka precisely, where the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim represented the State Government.
“The appointment of Mr Patrick Onyedum as Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission by Governor Soludo attests to his commitment to transforming the sports sector.
“Mr Patrick is deeply involved in the field of sports; a former Athlete and Chairman of Anambra Athletics association.
“You have the best hand at your disposal with loads of packages on sports.
“Go out there and do the needful. We will support you”, he concluded.
Earlier in a speech, the Chairman, Anambra Sports Development Commission, Mr. Patrick Estate Onyedum disclosed that Governor Soludo was supposed to be physically available to address and encourage them but due to his tight schedule, delegated his Chief of Staff.
While expressing confidence in the youths and reminding them that Anambra is the Light of the nation, Mr. Onyedum spurred the youths to be the bearers of light, put in all their best and make the State and their families proud.
In a vote of thanks, 100M race sprinter, Anyadiegbu Kenechukwu promised Governor Soludo that the Anambra Team are going all out for gold to make the State proud particularly themselves for personal development in their sports career.
He advised his colleagues not to let money be their driving force but rather, passion for excellence.
The Commissioner for Information, Sir Peter Nwosu among others accompanied Governor Soludo’s Chief of Staff to the event.
