All is now set for the Anambra State athletes to harvest medals for the state as the 19th National Sport Festival in Abuja kicks off on Nov. 6 in Abuja.

The athletes had been grouped in three categories and camped in at three different locations — Abagana, Oba and Nnewi for proper training in readiness for the tasks ahead.

Chairman, Anambra State Sports Commission, Tony Oli boasted that his athletes were fully prepared for the festival having completed all necessary things needed ahead of today’s commencement of the competition in the nations’ capital, Abuja.

Oli expressed satisfaction at the level of performance and seriousness with which the athletes had trained saying he hoped the athletes would reproduce more than half of what they learnt during their count-down preparation.

“If they reproduce that, then, they are sure of coming home with lots of laurels.’’

He thanked the coaches for their relentless efforts at ensuring that the athletes reached their zenith during preparations.

“I thank the governor for his support and encouragement. This is the first time we were being camped in such conducive places.

“So, the athletes are happy and we are going to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by making the state proud,’’ Oli vowed.

Director, Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Emeka Obinma said the athletes have been trained properly and so, they have no fears about their emerging victorious at the event.

“Having undergone such rigorous training, articulating themselves properly ahead of the Games in a good environment, all they require have been provided them, I tell you, victory is sure,’’ he boasted.

The Director, while assuring Ndi Anambra of their preparedness for the festival thanked the chairman of the Commission for his commitment toward, better performance.

He assured him of excellence by the time they return with bagful of medals.

According to the state Boxing Coach, Ebenezer Okoli, we are set for the festival. We are promising Ndi Anambra multiple laurels.

Okoli expressed joy at the athletes’ response to training and their eagerness to acquire the needed skills for the event.

“We trained in a good environment. Well taken care of, everybody is happy, the athlete are doing very well in training.

“With the squad we are going with, Nigerians will feel the presence of Ndi Anambra and we are going to portray the state as the true `Light of the Nation’,’’ he said.

The Judo coach, Chizoba Obiakor said they were on victory mission not for jamboree to bring gold, silver and bronze medals to the state.

Obiakor said that they had wonderful athletes, who were focused and know what they would be going to Abuja for.

The athletes left Awka for Abuja on Dec. 5 for the festival, expected to last for 10 days.

– Dec. 7, 2018 @ 12:57 GMT |