Ogun State Scrabble preparation for the 22nd National Sports Festival received a moral boost over the weekend as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Hon. Wasiu Isiaka paid an unexpected visit to the camp located outskirt of Abeokuta, the capital on Saturday.
The 16 players including current African champion Oluwatimilehin Doko will represent the state at this month’s National Sports Festival were busy and locked in the word-and-number game when the commissioner appeared in their mist unexpectedly.
Rising to their feet, the players led by their captain Cyril Umebiye including the coaches welcomed Hon Isiaka and appreciated his warm gesture as it would encourage them to make the state proud at the country’s Olympics.
In a brief interview with the media led by Tayo Ogunseye, the commissioner revealed his impressions and expectations from the scrabble ahead of the national event which will run from May 16 to 30 this year.
“I’m excited to be here! What I have seen so far is a strong and determined team and we are very ready to support you and ensure that you get the best result.” He declared.
“My expectation is very, very high because I know your rating in Nigeria and I can’t expect less. I’m aware of everyone here, I spoke with your chairman Adekoyejo Adegbesan and we keep talking. I was just coming from somewhere and because of my expectations, I decided to boost the team morally. I’m impressed with what I have seen here because your game needs a calm and cool atmosphere and the environment, I believe with your determination you will make us proud.”
He also gave some hints on what to expect generally at the Games.
“Generally, we are wearing three caps. Firstly, we are working on providing the best of facilities, then ensure that visitors and everyone coming to Ogun State are well taken care of and then, as host, we have to prepare our own team and make sure they perform. So far so good, everything is going on very well, we are on track. Even with our training and preparations, we have our athletes in Ikenne, some are at the Sports Council here in Abeokuta so want to ensure that every team is situated at where is conducive for them rather than putting everybody together in one place.We are moving very well and with what I have seen with determination from the athletes, I believe we can do well.”
Scrabble which is one of the 37 sports events will compete at the Ikenne centre for medals across 12 events namely: Men’s singles: Masters, Intermediate, Open; Men’s Double: Masters, Intermediate, Open and Men’s Team: Masters, Intermediate, Open while the women will aim for honours in the Female singles, Female Doubles and Female Team categories.
