8th National Youth Games get new date

Posted : 20 August 2024

The 8th edition of the National Youth Games, which was initially scheduled to commence on September 10, has been moved forward by one day and will now begin on September 9.

The Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by the Director of Grassroots Sports Development in the Ministry, Patrick Okeke, made this adjustment during the recently concluded Joint Technical Committee Meeting of the 8th edition of the National Youth Games. This meeting was held at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba, the venue of the next games.

Senator Enoh explained that the date was changed due to the gubernatorial elections in Edo State on September 21, which would lead to a total lockdown and restriction of movement.

He added that if the original date had been kept, various contingents from the South West passing through Edo State on their way back to their states would be at risk of violating the restriction order.

The Minister also announced that the Zonal eliminations would take place from August 28 to September 1, with registration open online from August 24 to 28.

He expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for its dedication to cadet sports development, acknowledging the State’s readiness to once again host the rest of Nigeria.

The Minister urged swift action to address the minor renovation work identified during the inspection of the facilities to ensure a smooth event.

The Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Festus Ohwojero, assured contingents arriving for the National Youth Games of a memorable experience, adding that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was committed to delivering an enhanced sports event that would elevate the National Youth Games.

Ohwojero emphasized that Governor Oborevwori had taken the necessary steps to ensure one of the best games ever, appointing key figures in the nation's sports sector to the Local Organizing Committee. This includes former President of the Athletics Federation and former Commissioner of Sports Development, Solomon Ogba, as Chairman.

Other prominent members include the immediate past Chairman of the Sports Commission and President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa, President of the Aquatics Federation of Nigeria, Chinoye Dafe, and former Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Victor Onogagamue. Renowned sports presenter Harrison Ocholor and grassroots sports administrator Onoriode Oborevwori were also named as members.

The Director General stressed that this year’s games would be unlike any before, as Governor Oborevwori is committed to doing more for the sports sector, in line with his development agenda.

Ohwojero encouraged the various contingents to compete fairly, noting that there would be no tolerance for age cheating in the 8th edition of the National Youth Games, which will be held at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba.

Other members of the Joint Technical Committee addressed several issues, including clarification on the number of sports to be contested. The committee confirmed the inclusion of kickboxing and kung fu as medal-awarding events at the games.

A total of 36 sports will be competed in at the 8th National Youth Games, with the age limit set at U-15 years.

8th National Youth Games get new date

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