N.S.F. 2022: Stakeholders optimistic as athletics events kicks in tomorrow

Ahead of the athletics events taking place tomorrow at the ongoing National Sports Festival at the Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba , stakeholders expressed optimism ahead of one of the most anticipated events of the sports festival.

Speaking with our correspondents, Sydney Olympics Gold Medallist, Enefiok Udo-Obong says it is a mixture of excitement and opportunities.

Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare, on Friday declared that the 21st National Sports Festival tagged Delta 2022 will go ahead as scheduled.

A joint technical meeting involving the Main Organising Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC), and other stakeholders of the event took place in Asaba after the inspection of facilities. The Sports Festival will hold from November 28 to December 10.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection of facilities, Dare said he was highly impressed with the level of work done by the various contractors.

“The last time I came here, there was no foundation, but I can say that virtually all the facilities are about 80 percent ready. I am really impressed. This shows the level of seriousness the government and people of Delta State attach to the National Sports Festival,” Dare stated.

Apart from the re-laying of the tartan track at that Stephen Keshi Stadium, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is putting in place two brand new indoor sports halls for the Games, just as the old indoor hall is being renovated. A brand new swimming pool is also being built within the stadium complex, just as hostel facilities are being built for the National Sports Festival.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari performed the flag-off of the Torch of Unity Movement in Abuja last week to officially begin the countdown to Delta 2022.