The much touted National Youth Games billed for Asaba, Delta State has finally come with virtually all the States in town in what promises to be the Fieriest youth Games ever.
From available reports, about 6382 sports men and women made up of 4,961 athletes, 635 Coaches and the rest are officials who will determine the fate of the festival.
The excitement and the thrills which I have seen in the last few days in Asaba have really convinced me why there is no other thing like sports. Not even politics where people deceive people can you find such a sense of thrill and excitement on the sides of spectators.
From the camaraderie among the host state and the visitors, one could see that sports offer more than entertainment. It provides a communal experience and creates a sense of belonging and shared identity, fulfilling psychological needs that go beyond physical activity.
It would be pertinent to reveal here that sports people tap into fundamental human desires for excitement, competition and stories.
Since the beginning of this year, there have been signals that some states are ready to slug it out with Delta. It is no longer an era where they leave the first position for Delta.
Thus, I see a game where the true nature or resilience of our young ones would be tested to determine their character.
A visit to the screening venue confirms that the officials are ready to follow the rules to the rules to the later even though some people are still sceptical of the exercise, claiming that it has always been like that.
An official from one of the states in the North who spoke on the condition that his name would not be mentioned insisted that most of the people disqualified will find their way back. We ended up exchanging numbers with a promise to get in touch once he sees any of those who have been screened out. On my side, I promised to do Justice no matter whose ox is gored even if it is my state. He made reference to the football event last year where those screened out found their way back and new ones brought. We concluded that we should dwell on the future for old things have passed away.
To the organizers, the future is more important and as such, anything that will bring this game into disrepute should be avoided.
It has been interesting reading from various tabloids the level of preparation, movement and the eventual arrival to the capital city of Delta.
For the first timer and in the history of the games, and may be because of what happened last time, Kano State flew their athletes and may be officials to Asaba. God has a way of doing things. I hope in the near future, with the Federal Government reluctance to work on the roads, many states would key in to what Kano has just done. We should not wait for any mishap before doing the right thing.
Indeed, it is a tough time, not only for the host state, but for all the states to justify the huge investments from their state governments.
The only exception may be Gombe State where controversial Gara Gombe is spitting fire on who has the right to bring the Children to Asaba. Gombe who has been fighting virtually anybody that comes his way is the Chairman of Gombe Athletics Association. He has fought those in football before shifting focus to Athletics.
This is indeed the time when Managers, Coaches, administrators and their likes to fully demonstrate their leadership skills in guiding their states to win enough medals and prepare Nigeria for where it belongs in sports.
Bayelsa State, one of the states expected to give Delta a run for their money has spoken through the acting Director of Sports, Mr Andrew Aye.
According to him, the games tournament is an opportunity for the young athletes to showcase their talents on the national stage. While assuring that the state contingent would give a good account of themselves, the Director noted that the objective was not just winning but building the next generation of champions.
“The Youth Games is more than just a competition; it is a platform for discovering and nurturing future stead”
Spectators therefore should expect the drama of an unpredictable outcome and the shared emotional experience of cheering which makes sports compelling while for the participants, it builds confidence, teamwork and physical well-being. Sports are not scripted for anything can happen.
To the technical officials, my candid advice is for them to maintain their integrity and not do anything that will destroy the game. There should be no padding of the medals table. We cannot afford to be making mockery of the National called Nigeria. Nobody wants to take us serious especially the umpires either in athletics or football. The time has come for us to call a spade a spade. Any official found wanting should be banned from the game.
My Message to Asaba and Ozoro Fans
I want to use this opportunity to appeal to both Asaba and Ozoro fans to for once embrace sports and support our teams.
The notion has always been there that we don’t like sports in both places but we can use these events to convince doubting Thomas’s that we love sports.
Warri Wolves just back to the Nigerian Professional Football league will host high flying Rangers I International tomorrow at the University Stadium, Ozoro. The fans should come out in their thousands to cheer Warri Wolves to victory. The era of sitting on the fence is gone and we should learn from the past experience. The fans should expose any player of the team who participates in betting as this is one area we must guide against.
As for the fans in Asaba, come out with your children and enjoy yourselves for the future stars would be on parade for the next 8 days.
We should extend our hospitality to the visitors and make them feel at home. The chips are down and only the best should win.
