The Imo State Ministry of Sports has hailed the impressive performance of Team Imo at the recently concluded 9th National Youth Games in Asaba.
The State’s Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, gave the commendation during a meeting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Imo Chapter, in Owerri, on Friday.
Our correspondent reports that the team secured three gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals.
The Commissioner commended the sports writers for their professionalism and loyal support during the Asaba Games and stressed that grassroots sports development at the secondary school level is essential for producing the next generation of champions.
He said that the presence of sports writers in Asaba was encouraging and a morale booster for the athletes.
He said that the Ministry would seek effective collaboration with the Ministry of Education to revive the All Secondary Schools Games.
This, he said, would unearth and nurture young talents for future National Youth Games (NYG) and the National Sports Festival (NSF).
“Reviving the Secondary School Games will enable us to identify athletes aged 12 to 15 early, setting a strong foundation for the National Youth Games and eventually the National Sports Festival.
“ With this approach, Imo will not only build on what we achieved in Asaba but dominate future competitions,” Onyeocha said.
He assured the Imo people of Gov. Hope Uzodinma’s commitment to sports development despite challenges.
He called for all hands to be on deck to ensure success going forward.