NYG 2024: Enoh urges states to bring young athletes

Posted : 10 September 2024

As preparations for the 8th National Youth Games reach their final stages, the Minister of Sports Development, Owan Enoh, has called on state contingents to bring young athletes who will represent the next generation of sports stars in Nigeria.

The Games Village for the Asaba 2024 National Youth Games officially opened on Monday, September 9, ahead of the event’s opening ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, September 11.

The Minister emphasized that the youth games present a prime opportunity for states to showcase and nurture their most promising talents, who could become the nation's future champions.

“This is the moment for states to invest in the future of Nigerian sports. We must identify, nurture, and expose our young athletes to high-level competition, preparing them to take over from the current stars,” Enoh stated.

“The National Youth Games are a crucial platform for talent discovery and development.”

“When the likes of Amusan and Oborodudu bow out, we must ensure the next generation is ready to take the baton and shine on the stage."

The 8th edition of the National Youth Games will take place from September 9 to 19, with athletes set to compete in various sporting disciplines.

The opening ceremony will be held at the iconic Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

The Sports Ministry has established a Technical Committee to oversee the event, ensuring that all athletes' screening processes are strictly followed, leaving no room for age-related discrepancies or other forms of malpractice.

In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the Games will see about 5,000 young athletes representing their states, making it one of the largest youth sports gatherings in the country.

Senator Enoh highlighted the significance of the Youth Games not just as a competition but as a stepping stone for athletes aiming to represent Nigeria on the international stage.

“We must ensure that this event is not just about winning medals but about long-term development.

The youth games are where our future Olympians and world champions are born.

This is why the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the games are fair and that every young athlete gets an equal chance to showcase their talents,” he said.

The National Youth Games have historically been a breeding ground for young Nigerian sports talents, providing a launching pad for athletes who go on to excel in national and international competitions.

With the opening of the Games Village and all preparations in place, anticipation is high for another successful edition of the youth games.

NYG 2024: Enoh urges states to bring young athletes

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