Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has rewarded medalists of the State team to this year’s National Youth Games (NYG), in Asaba, Delta State Capital.
At the brief reception held at the Kwara State Sports Commission, George Innih Stadium Complex Ilorin, Gold Medalists received N200,000, Silver Medalists got N150,000 while N100,000 was given to Bronze Medalists.
Presenting the cash reward to the medalists on behalf of the Governor, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa, said Governor AbdulRazaq approved the cash donations to spur the athletes, who made the State proud to always put in their best.
Coach Mogaji tasked the athletes to blend the sporting venture with education to become superstars.
He commended members of the contingent for their determination and resilience, which culminated in winning medals for the State and appreciated their parents for allowing their children and wards partake in sports.
In his remarks, the Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Oladele Bako, urged the medalists and all athletes not to rest on their oars in their respective sports to propel them to greatness.
Mallam Bako explained that the commission would intensify efforts in nurturing quality athletes to be reckoned with locally, nationally and internationally.
In his submission, the commission’s Secretary, Mr Aruna Tsado, said the hard work and commitment of the medalists earned them the recognition as the cash award serves as a motivation to continue to strive for excellence in their chosen sports.
Mr. Tsado admonished the participants who did not win medals not to be discouraged, pointing out that their participation has not gone unnoticed, enjoining them to exhibit sportsmanship, teamwork and fairplay.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Akeweje, Michael Olayinka Fafoluyi, eulogized the medalists for displaying rare talents at the National Youth Games.
In their separate goodwill messages, members of the State sports commission, Alhaji Dele Abubakar Selleto MON (Kwara Central) and Mallam Abdullahi Yunusa Lade (Kwara North), challenged the team to always put the interest of the State first.
Responding on behalf of the parents, Mr. Abdulsalam Abdullahi Bayo thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji for the development of sports in the State and appreciated their kind gesture to the medalists.
The event featured symbolic presentation of cash reward to the medalists alongside their parents.
