Team Rivers Receives Niger Delta Sports Festival Torch Amidst Fanfare
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| L-R: Daobu Harvest Harry hands over the torch to J.J Kio |
By Eyo Idongesit Kelvin
The iconic Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, erupted in a frenzy of excitement as Team Rivers proudly received the coveted Niger Delta Sports Festival torch, marking a thrilling milestone in the countdown to the region's most anticipated sporting extravaganza.
The festival's theme, "Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents," reflects the NDDC's commitment to promoting regional integration, unity, and sporting excellence in the Niger Delta region. The torch is expected to ignite a sense of pride and competition among athletes, who will be vying for honors in various sporting events.
Receiving the festival torch in the state, former Olympian and retired Permanent Secretary J.J. Kio emphasized the significance of the Niger Delta Sports Festival torch, stating that it marks the beginning of the first-ever festival, scheduled to take place in Uyo. The torch, he noted, symbolizes collective representation and unity among the participating states.
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| Olympian J.J. Kio |
"Today marks a significant milestone as we receive the official torch marking the beginning of the first ever Niger Delta Sports Festival holding at Uyo" Kio said.
"The festival torch is very symbolic in the sense that we are being represented collectively"
Kio urged the athletes to remember that they are ambassadors not only of Rivers State but also of the entire Niger Delta region. He formally handed over the festive torch to proceed to Uyo, where the festival will be held.
"This torch is a torch of unity in the sense that as we leave Rivers State to Uyo to compete among other states, don't forget that you are an ambassador first and foremost of Rivers State and also an ambassador of Niger Delta,"
"Once again, on behalf of all the athletes and officials that are getting ready for the festival, I want to formally hand over the festive torch to proceed Uyo".
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| Mrs Awele Salubi, Rivers State NDDC Liaison Committee Secretary |
According to Harry, the festival aims to redirect the youth's energy away from social vices and toward harnessing their talents.
"It's a nice thing, the first and sports for the youths which is to bring them out from social vices which NDDC has deem it fit to engage the Nine States to harness talents in the region".
Harry emphasized the importance of timing, noting that the festival's coincidence with the National Sports Festival in few months presents a unique opportunity for athletes to test their skills.
"Everything has a time and season and the timing is now and I know that since the National Sports Festival is around the corner, this will serve as a testing moment for the athletes,"
He urged the athletes to compete fairly, without cheating, and to excel while serving as good ambassadors for their state.
"Compete favourably, compete without cheating and excel and make sure that you are a good ambassador to the State." Harry Concluded.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to 8, promises to be an exciting showcase of sporting talent from across the Niger Delta region. With the torch now in their possession, Team Rivers is geared up to make a strong impression at the festival.
SIDEBAR: Festival Facts:
- Date: April 1-8
- Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
- Participating States: 9
- Sporting Events: 17
- Athletes: Over 3000
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