Gateway Games : Team Edo will fight to the end – Sabina Chikere

The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operation, Edo State, Sabina Chikere, strongly believes that Team Edo will secure a top spot finish at the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged, Gateway Games.

The Executive Director gave this assurance on Saturday while speaking with our correspondent.

According to her, the state’s Cricket team won both the male and female gold and also won some gold in Para Athletics and Athletics and kick boxing just as she expressed happiness that their medals are increasing and she’s hopeful that by the end of the festival, Edo State will be in a comfortable position on the medal table.

Mrs. Chikere stated that she remains hopeful and is confident in the high quality of Team Edo athletes and their determination to win.

“We are still hopeful because events are still going on, even though some have been concluded, but there are still other sporting events still ongoing, so we are hopeful of winning more medal.

She added that Team Edo is not in Ogun State for fun, emphasizing that the team will return home with something to present before the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo.

“We will definitely be at the top of the medal table, between the first and the third if not first, we are working towards that and I’m very hopeful and optimistic that we will have something to go back home with.”

Mrs. Sabina Chikere commended Edo State Governor; saying that the successes recorded by the state athletes could not have been possible without his resolute support to sports in the state.

“The support from the state government has been wonderful Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been very supportive, we had all we wanted in terms of preparation, the athletes were camped early and they got everything they needed to come to the Festival.

” The Governor even promised the team that on their departure date every medalist will be rewarded bountifully. And we will definitely make them proud.”

She appealed to the Governor to continue to support sports in the state to place the Heartbeat of the Nation in the heart of sports in Nigeria.

She also had some nice words for Ogun State, the organisers of the National Sports Festival, noting that the facilities at the sports feast are of high quality.

“Kudos must go to the organisers, the Ogun State government, it’s not easy hosting the National Sports Festival. Edo State hosted it in 2020 so we can tell from experience that it’s not an easy task.”

Mrs. Chikere however noted that distance between venues leaves much to be desired by all the various contingents at the Festival. Some athletes have missed their events due to some poor transport arrangements.

“The only challenge is the venues scattered all around, coming from Babcock University, Abeokuta for events especially those that are in the morning, is very hectic, that is our only challenge.”