Gov Diri Draws The Curtain As Wrestlers Smile Home With Prize Money At 4th Governor Diri National Wrestling Classics
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has declared close the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics after a week of intense bouts on the mat in Yenagoa
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Diri, lauded the level of competition from various participants, describing them all as winners and urged those who missed out on podium finish not to be discouraged, rather to use the disappointment as a tool for improvement
Diri noted that Nigeria and Bayelsa have been a fertile ground to breed young athletes in wrestling, expressing his belief that soon Nigerian will produce more world champions
“Let me appreciate all the participants. eventually, you all are winners. In every championship, you will have the gold, sliver, and bronze medalists. A good sports man is the one who participates and completes it and you all have done just that.”
“Nigeria and indeed Bayelsa State have been a fertile ground for wrestling and in Africa, Nigeria is a force to be reckon with and my prayer is that we will not just rule Africa alone, we will produce more standard world champions.” Diri said.
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation who was represented by the 1st Vice President, Chris Amkpila, appreciated the passionate drive for sports development of Governor Douye Diri, stressing that the drive has seen the Governor consistently support Wrestling Federation activities without hesitation.
Amkpila, noted that this year’s edition witnessed tremendous upgrades and innovative ideas compared to previous ones as the Wrestling Federation President, through collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, gave accommodation, which served as the games village resulting to athletes’ comfortability. Also, free meals, busses were stationed to convey them to bout venues.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa State for the hospitality and warmness given to the various delegates, saying Indeed Bayelsa is a beautiful place, and hinted that the Federation is looking forward to being back again for the next edition.
In his earlier welcome address, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali, said that unprecedented heights were recorded in the history of Nigerian sports Federations, as all athletes were paid fees for participating in a national championship, which has never happened.
Igali opined that aside prize money for individual gold, silver, and bronze medalists, there were mouth-watering prize money for overall first, second, and third positions for states and clubs
Honourable Igali who doubles as a member of the World Wrestling Governing body (UWW), enumerated the positive impact the gesture would have on future events while specially thanking all partners for their support, stating that without their help, the successes recorded wouldn’t have been possible.
However, Igali used the medium to appeal for more support as the Federation lined up more activities in the calendar year.
Meanwhile, Team Bayelsa emerged overall champions while Dynamite Club and Nigerian Army finished second and third, respectively.
