Participating states in the second edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) have revved up preparations as the count down to their respective final selection process.
The competition, which holds from 20 to 27 February, will be hosted in Benin City by the Edo State Government.
From Cross River to Akwa Ibom, Imo to Bayelsa and Delta, Edo and Ondo States, the registration processes has moved to uploading of completed forms to the Games registration portal, while some state liaison committees are engaging their respective sports associations for technical assistance towards organising the state finals.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee, Elder Paul Bassey, who is also the Commissioner for Sports, expressed satisfaction with the concluded registration process.
‘The uploading of forms and registration processes have been seamless so far, with athletes and officials responding positively.
‘This smooth coordination reflects the state’s early commitment to ensuring a strong and organised presence at the Games’, he told NDG Media.
Bassey also disclosed that training activities are well underway, as athletes across various sports have begun intensive preparations ahead of the trials.
‘The mood in camp is upbeat, with participants showing high levels of enthusiasm, focus, and competitiveness’, he said.
In Akure, the Ondo State NDG Liaison Committee met with key stakeholders to fine-tune preparations for the forthcoming Games.
The meeting, which held on Tuesday at the state Sports Complex, Akure, brought together representatives of state sports council and those of the various associations.
At the meeting, the Chairman of the Liaison Committee, Henry Omoyofunmi said that the engagement was designed to harmonise plans to ensure that the state have a good outing in Benin City.
Omoyofunmi, who also is also the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, noted that the Games would serve as a platform to discover and nurture young talents, promote unity and strengthen grassroots sports development in the region.
Participants at the meeting expressed their commitment to the success of the Games, pledging cooperation in areas of mobilisation.
Reports from the states indicate that coaches and technical officials continue to monitor progress closely, fine-tuning programmes to bring out the best in their athletes ahead of the regional showpiece.
With the second NDG drawing closer, all the states appear firmly on course to make strong impression in Benin. The blend of proper planning, athlete readiness, and positive energy points to a highly competitive games as they look to showcase their sporting depth and talent on the Niger Delta stage.
Bayelsa State emerged overall champions of the first edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State last April.
