Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly (ANSHA) Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme has charged Team Anambra athletes and officials to put in their very best and make Anambra State proud at the ongoing 8th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG).
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Hon. Ofodeme who is the member representing Ekwusigo Constituency stated this during an interview with sports writers on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba in the aftermath of the opening ceremony.
The Majority Leader stated that sports today have gone beyond a social event but a field of endeavour one can make a career in and earn a living for both the athletes and their families.
The lawmaker declared that the current government under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo knows this and have moved a step further by ensuring that Anambra State features in the National Youth Games every year with 2024 year not being an exception.
Ofodeme said he is confident that Team Anambra will better the performance from the 7th edition of the games were they won more than 20 medals with 7 Gold which he described as a record set under the leadership of Hon. Patrick Estate Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC).
He urged the athletes to showcase a strong spirit by competing well and favourably having at the back of their minds that they are ambassadors of the state at the games.
Hon. Ofodeme informed that the State House of Assembly by virtue of his position as the Majority Leader and immense support of Mr Speaker will continue to support the sports plans of the present Government in the state.
The legislator thanked and eulogized Mr. Governor for thinking it wise by improving the level of sports development in the state in all the sporting events ranging from Team Sports, Combat Sports, Board Games as well as the Track and Field events.
“Today I came here to witness a colourful opening ceremony declaring the 8th National Youth Games open and am delighted that Anambra our state came with a strong contingent to the games and with what I have seen coupled with the interaction I had with some of the athletes and officials, I am sure that the state will go one better to surpass their record last year at the games were they won more than 20 medals with 7 Gold, silver and bronze medals.
“I urge the athletes to showcase a good spirit as they are the ambassadors of the state here and more so, they should know that sports is a multimillion dollars industry and can set them on a path to change their careers, lives and families positivity if they are dedicated, focused and work hard towards achieving success,” Ofodeme said.
