NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL: GOVT. ASSURES ATHLETES WELFARE

Bayelsa State Athletes have been assured of Government readiness to address their welfare needs to enable them to perform optimally at the forthcoming 2020 Edo National Sports Festival.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Champion Hon. Daniel Igali, gave the assurance during an interactive session with athletes representing the state in various categories in the different sports events in the 2020 Edo National Sports Festival on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Multipurpose Hall of Sampson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

Hon. Igali said that the welfare of athletes was of ultimate concern to Government and assured that, government would provide adequate team kits, transportation, feeding, accommodations, medicals as well as allowances among others.

The Commissioner added that, the outstanding 2018 National Festival Awards and disparity in payment of medalists experienced in the year would also be addressed, pointing out that, the ministry was also working to ensure that prospective gold medalists in the forthcoming festivals are rewarded.

Hon. Igali however, warn athletes against intake of performance-enhancing drugs which according to him would bring the image of the state to disrepute, adding that, those found culpable would not only participate in the Festival but would also lose their employment.

He advised participants of the National Sports Festivals to observe the COVID-19 protocols, noting that, only those who are free from COVID-19 would partake in the Festival.

Also speaking, the Director of Sports Council, Mr. Braveman Wodi, said the essence of the meeting was engaged in an interactive sessions with the athletes with a view to identifying challenges that needed to be addressed ahead of the National Sports Festival.

The Director assured that the management of the ministry would look into every issue affecting them and ensure that they are resolved within the reach of available resources.

Earlier, the team Bayelsa Captain, Mr. Amaz Daniel, had solicited with the Commissioner to use his office to address the welfare of athletes to enable them perform efficiently in the forthcoming Sports Festival.

He pointed the attention of the Commissioner to issues such as sports kits, transportation, feeding, accommodation and medicals.

Other concerns were disparity in payment of athletes as well as the outstanding 2018 National Sports Festival Award.

Present at the meeting were, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Chief Patimidi Tukuru, head of Departments as well as athletes among others.