Kaduna Gears Up for National Youth Games with Renewed Determination
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng The Kaduna State Government says preparations are in top gear for the forthcoming National Youth Games, with a target to surpass its previous performance.
Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, gave the assurance on Tuesday when executives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kaduna State chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
He said the state’s athletes, drawn from various sports associations, are undergoing intensive preparations in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and critical stakeholders, including coaches and technical officials.
“By the grace of God, our preparation this time will be far better than what we had in Delta. The governor has been giving us all the support we need, and we are confident we will enjoy even more this year. Different associations have started selecting athletes to represent us, and we are working hand in hand to get the best,” Gugong said.
The commissioner disclosed that Kaduna State will compete in no fewer than 20 sports at the Games, with a contingent of about 300 athletes and officials expected to make the trip.
On the upcoming zonal eliminations, Gugong expressed optimism that Kaduna will maintain its dominance. “Over the years, we have always excelled at the zonal elimination stage, and I assure you we will do even better this time,” he said.
While noting that the state’s main stadium is under renovation, the commissioner assured that there are adequate facilities to host sporting events in Kaduna. He listed Murtala Mohammed Square, Ranchers Bees Stadium, Ahmadu Bello Stadium, and facilities at Kaduna State University among the venues.
The National Youth Games is a multi-sport event designed to discover and develop young talents across Nigeria, with this year’s edition expected to draw participation from all states of the federation.
