The Osun Government on Tuesday said it released the sum of N18 million for the preparation and participation of athletes and officials in the 2017 3rd National Youth Games holding in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on the preparations of the state team, the state Commissioner for Social Protection, Sports and Special Needs, Mr. Biyi Odunlade, disclosed that Governor Rauf Aregbesola had released the money for the sporting event.
Odunlade said the governor approved and released the total sum of N18 million for the camping, preparation and participation of athletes and officials in the Games that would take place between September 7 and 17.
He noted that the athletes and officials were all in high spirit as they set out for the games on Thursday, this week.
While describing Aregbesola as a sport lover, the commissioner believed that sports enhance physical and mental development, adding that the governor’s love for sports facilitated the quick release of the fund for the state’s participation in the Games.
He said a total of 68 athletes would be representing the state in 17 events, which include athletics, swimming, boxing, scrabble, weight lifting, karate, judo, table and lawn tennis, among others.
According to Odunlade, the athletes going for the Games had been training within and outside the state for a long time.
The commissioner stated that the state government expected no fewer than ten Gold medals, 15 silver and 19 bronze medals from the athletes.
He said the officials and athletes were well prepared, motivated and ready to perform to optimally during the events.
He noted that his ministry was engaging youths and channeling their energy positively.
Odunlade said, “Its our great concern to develop the youths, we must develop sports. Beside laurels, sport is a positive attraction for all round development of the body.
“When you do sports, all negative distractions would go as your health will improve and your vision about life would equally improve as you become more righteous.”
