The Osun State government has disclosed that it has released the sum of N18 million for the preparation and participation of athletes and officials for the 2017 ‘3rd National Youth Games’ holding in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Addressing pressmen in Osogbo, on the preparations of the state team, the Commissioner for Social Protection, Sports and Special Need, Hon. Biyi Odunlade said the State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola had already released the money for the event.
Odunlade noted that, the governor approved and released the total sum of N18 million for the camping, preparation, and participation of athletes and officials in the Games and that the athletes and officials are all in high spirit as they set out for the Games in two days time.
Hon. Odunlade said the governor, a sport loving governor, believes that sports enhance physical and mental development and that his love for sports facilitated the quick release of funds for the state participation in the Games.
A total of 68 athletes would be representing the state in 17 events, which includes; Athletics, Swimming, Boxing, Scrabble, Weight lifting, Karate, Judo, Table and Lawn Tennis and others.
He said the athletes going for the Games had been training within and outside the state for a long time and that the expectation of the state/government from the athletes are: ten Gold medals, 15 silver, and 19 bronze medals.
He said the officials and athletes were well prepared, motivated and ready to move and that by Thursday, they would all be in Ilorin for the Games.
He said his Ministry is saddled with Sports and Youths Development and that the Youths Games will provide an avenue for engaging the youths to channel their energy positively.
“in the concern that we must develop the youths, we must develop sports. Besides laurels, sports is a positive attraction for all round development of the body.
“When you do sports, all negative distractions would go as your health will improve and your vision about life would equally improve as you become more righteous,” he said.
The National Youth Games would kick-off on September 7 to 17.
