By Gracious Akujobi Vice President Namadi Sambo on Sunday enjoined youths participating in the National Youth Games which got underway in Abuja, to imbibe the spirit of fair play.
The opening ceremony of the games, the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria was held at the main bowl of Abuja National stadium and declared open by the Vice President.
Represented by the Sports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC) Bolaji Abdullahi, the President Sambo urged the athletes to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship during the games.
“I am particularly excited to witness for the first time in our history, a competition of this magnitude that brings together youths from different parts of the country to participate and compete against one another”.
The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the turnout of States for the event which he said was a clear demonstration of our commitment as a people to create a solid and sustainable platform for all round youth development through sports.
He also commended the National Sports Commission and all sports councils including the FCT for being part of history.
To the athletes, he urged them to compete fairly and be good sportsmen and women.
Sambo said, “I urge all participating teams to compete fairly and shun all forms of malpractices, and the use of performance enhancing drugs.
“I enjoin all athletes to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat”.
The opening game was a football match between Oyo state and Abia state which ended 3-1 in favour of the former.
