Acting Director of Sports, Imo Sports Commission, Sir Ferdinand Emeana says the state’s athletes are in high spirits to win as many laurels as possible at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival, Asaba 2022.
Emeana in a chat with sports journalists, commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma for his administration’s commitment to the growth, development and transformation of sports in the state and reiterated the resolved of the National Sports Festival team to make the state proud.
The State’s Director of Sports assured Imo athletes that they won’t be denied their entitlements and that their camping allowances would be paid in the next few days.
“The state is here in high spirits. We left Owerri with high expectations. We are aware of our mission here. The Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has every necessary things to put the team in shape.
“The competition has started and we have won some medals.
“The competition just started. Nobody has been paid but in the next few days, the allowances of the athletes would be paid,” Emeana noted.
The Sports Administrator expressed disappointment at the organizers of the Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival for the inadequate facilities especially at the hostels provided for visiting teams.
“Delta in my own assessment is not ready for this festival. There are no shuttle buses to convey teams to the venue of their events and their hostels. They did not do that.
“The few buses we brought are not sufficient. The hostels where our athletes are camped is without electric power while the toilet facilities are not good and insufficient. Be that as it may, we are here. We are poised for action.”
Emeana advised the state athletes to go for gold and that the state will adequately compensate them unlike it was previously.
“My message to the athletes is that they should go for gold. His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma will do the needful by receiving all those that win laurels for Imo State. It won’t be business as usual where nobody remembers you. This time, they would be remembered by way of reception,” he concluded.
