Sports
THE Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has assured the nation of
an impressive outing by Team Nigeria at the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics holding from July 23 to Aug. 8,
The minister gave the charge on Monday at the unveiling of Team Nigeria kits and handing over of the athletes to the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) at the State House Abuja.
John Joshua-Akanji, Special Adviser (Media) to the minister, who disclosed this in a statement, assured that the athletes had been training hard and were sure of victory at the Games.
“As you all are aware, the preparations for the Olympics and Paralympics began long before the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the organisers of both events to postpone the Games to between July 23 and Aug. 24, respectively.
“These athletes will be flying the colours of our great country, Nigeria, in Tokyo in the coming days,” Dare said.
He also used the opportunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly for their support for the athletes.
“I want to use this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. President and the members of the National Assembly for the unwavering support in terms of resources and provision of an enabling environment that made it possible for them athletes to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games” he said.
Dare noted that Nigeria qualified for the Games in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Gymnastics, Rowing, Taekwondo, Table Tennis and Wrestling.
For the Paralympic Games, Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics, Para Rowing and Para Table-Tennis all qualified, bring the total to 58 athletes that would be competing for glory at the Olympic Games and 22 others for the Paralympic Games, respectively.
“In a very clear departure from the past, athletes of Team Nigeria have been in camp for the past two months in an intensive and extensive training programme, to ensure that our esteemed athletes are physically fit for the Games.
“As the team departs for Japan, it will head straight to Kisarazu for another two weeks for the offshore final camping exercise before the commencement of the Tokyo Olympic Games,” he added.
The minister said that Team Nigeria comprised athletes who had demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, commitment and discipline.
“Let me assure you Mr. President Sir, that these Athletes will do Nigeria proud at the Olympics by representing Nigeria well. Many of them have told me personally about their determination to achieve podium success to make Nigeria proud.
” I have no reason to doubt their commitment. I surely wish them the best,” he added.
Earlier, Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the ‘send forth’ and unveiling of the team and kits, urged the team to be good ambassadors devoid of cheating.
“I commend the Innovative and hardworking Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, and the entire Staff of the ministry for developing these stars and enabling Nigeria participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
” I’m very happy to see the very best of the best athletes representing Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“58 outstanding athletes and 18 World class coaches joining about 258 other countries of the world in the biggest and most spectacular sporting event in the world.
“We look forward to an exciting outing so that we can attain podium performances,” Osinbanjo said.
NAN
-12, 2021 @ 18:15 GMT |
Tags: FG charges Team Nigeria on success at Tokyo Olympics
