The Ogun State Government has rewarded exceptional athletes who represented the State at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, with over seven million naira as motivation, reiterating its commitment to sports development.
Abiodun gave the assurance on Wednesday while presenting the cheques to the athletes, reiterating its readiness to nurture them to enviable heights.
The gold medalists were presented with a cheque of N300,000, the silver medalists with, N200,00O and the bronze medalists N100,000 while the immediate past Director of Sports, Mrs Oluwatoyin Alade, was given a sum of N500,000 in recognition of her commitment to the development of the young athletes.
Represented by Commissioner of Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, Gov Abiodun attributed the successes recorded during the games and other competitions, to his administration’s resolve to take sports back to the grassroots.
He said, “Your outstanding performances have not only brought glory to our state but have also earned you invitations to the national camp for the Commonwealth Games next year. This is a phenomenal opportunity for our athletes and we are excited to see what the future holds for you.”
“Our gold medalists will participate in the upcoming National Sports Festival under a special arrangement that will be unveiled soon. This is just one of the many ways we aim to support and promote our athletes on a national stage”, Abiodun said.
The Governor revealed that his administration intends to use the National Sports Festival to lay a solid foundation for sports in the State, especially the school and grassroots sports, saying these are parts of the reasons, the government was revamping stadia across the state.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Sports, Mr Oluseyi Sonde, appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for his commitment to sports development in the state, urging the medalists to continue to strive for excellence, as their success was not just a testament to individual accomplishments but a reflection of the potential within them.
He noted that the power of sports, if well utilised, could unite, inspire and transform lives, advising the young athletes to be inspired by the examples before them, to work hard, be focused and never give up on their dreams.
Responding on behalf of the medalists, Ayomide Heritage, who emerged the best wrestler in the 42kg category at the Youth Games, expressed gratitude to the State Governor for the kind gesture, noting that the financial reward would go a long way in boosting their career, promising to work hard and make the state proud in subsequent National and International competitions.