The Plateau State Governor,H.E Barr.Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has applauded and rewarded the state athletes to the last National Sports Festival in Abeokuta,Ogun State, tagged the “Gateway Games”.
Hosting the Athletes and officials at a reception organised for them at the Government House Little Rayfield,the Governor welcomed them and appreciated their efforts in proving that Plateau State is truly the home of champions.
‘Indeed its a great joy and profound gratitude to God that I welcome you to this special reception in honour of our distinguished athletes and coaches who have brought glory and pride to the state through your outstanding performances in various events during the last National Sports Festival in Ogun State”.
Governor Mutfwang went on to extol the athletes who he said ‘were determined to break new grounds in Gymnastic,Athletics, Kickboxing,Taekwando,Darts and other traditional events like Weightlifting,Golf, Volleyball and other team events. I want to charge you all -athletes and coaches that this must just be the beginning. I want you to continue to soar higher to justify our investments in sports’.
He reminded the athletes that when the administration came on board it learnt that they always borrow money to go for competitions but assured that ‘We are determined that will not be.We have continued to do our best to release funds before competitions and I have given strict instructions to the Ministry of Sports to ensure the athletes get their money,I don’t want anyone to hijack their money’.
The Governor also assured the audience on the investments of the government in upgrading sporting facilities in the state ‘the ongoing work at the Rwang Pam Stadium is a testimony to that, other facilities are being looked at. I was embarrassed last week during my inspection of the NUGA Games facilities and learnt the state does not have an Olympic size stadium; by the grace of God,we’ll correct that’. ‘In the coming months we intend to strengthen the Plateau State Sports Council by transforming it to a Sports Commission and we will deepen partnership with private investors,create sustainable pathways for athletes to excel both locally and internationally,we want to see Plateau Athletes on the global platforms waving the Nigerian flag as well as carry the hopes of entire generation’.
On the Zaria Road Stadium,he said ‘we’re working,discussing and negotiating and hopefully with the cooperation of the electorates, it will be completed’.
On the Performance of the athletes,Gov Mutfwang stated ‘that your victories is for all Plateau people and you have become shining examples for the Plateau youths therefore, continue to maintain your discipline,focus your faith and know that we’re behind you to succeed. I’ve been made to understand that many athletes that won medals for other states are Plateau indigenes.We will continue to give you all Platforms to excel in your performance so that those who are outside will have a conducive atmosphere to return home’.
The Governor assured that the administration will continue to to give high premium on Sports development through revitalising schools and community sports,upgrading facilities and supporting programmes that nurture young talents.
He maintained that ‘our vision is clear, we want to make sports a strong pillar of empowerment,social cohesion and economic growth in the state as we just approved money for students from the state who were nominated to make up the National Students Team going to China, this shows our commitment’.
The Governor then congratulated the Chaimen and Board members of Sports Associations, Sports Writers and Commercial transporters for their support.
The Governor thereafter gave Gold medalists one Million Naira, Silver medalist Seven Hundred and Fifty thousand naira,while bronze medal attracts Five Hundred thousand naira only.
For Team Sports-Gold medal, Five Million Naira,Silver -Three Million Naira and two million naira for bronze medalists.
He then assured the athletes that as they perform,they’ll always hear from the government.
Credit:Nathaniel Mobolade, for SSI Media
