Sports industry reliant on young talents - Minister

jonathan

Nigerian sportsmen and women

Nigerian sportsmen and women

Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, on Tuesday in Abuja said he was confident that young talents would salvage Nigeria’s sports industry.

Dalung said this while addressing athletes at the opening ceremony of the maiden Under-18 National Grassroots Sports Festival.

The minister, however, urged the youths to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, shun doping and work hard to ensure a place at the world stage.

“Young people are the only hope we have to salvage our sports industry.

“You should use every opportunity you have to showcase your talents, work hard and shun doping, as the world awaits you.

“We believe in you and we are proud of you,’’ he said.

READ: SWAN reaffirm statement on Nigeria’s performance at Commonwealth Games

The minister congratulated the organisers of the event for their patriotic contribution in creating a platform to keep youths busy and discover talents.

“This is the kind of service we expect from Nigerians, and not to sit down and criticise. The government, we know, cannot run sports alone,’’ he said.

On his part, Peter Elosia, the chief coordinator of the festival, said he was happy to have the event seeing the light of the day.

“I feel like a pregnant woman who has just been delivered of her baby. I am very happy.

“This is just a passion I have, to support and encourage youths as long as I can and to create an atmosphere for them to explore and showcase what they have,’’ he said.

A total of 15 sports will be competed for at the festival which will end on Saturday.

Load more