6th November, 2012
The Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Edozie Aroh says Team Anambra will enjoy the support of Igbo community during the National Sports Festival, tagged Eko 2012.
He disclosed this at the hoisting of the flag for the 18th National Sports Festival held Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Aroh said Team Anambra are working round the clock to ensure that they perform well in Lagos.
He stated that Team Anambra will be at home during the National Sports Festival considering the numbers of Igbo people living in Lagos.
“We are banking on the Igbo community in Lagos to give us support throughout the Festival. We know that thousands of Igbo people are doing business in Lagos, and we want them to support all the South East States during the Festival,” he said.
Aroh, disclosed that 425 athletes and 50 officials will represent Team Anambra during the Games. According to him, the Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi will be happy if Team Anambra can surpass their performance in the previous editions. Team Anambra placed 23rd with 2 gold, 6 silver and 14 bronze medals at the last National Sports Festival held in Port Harcourt.
Anoh said the performance of Team Anambra in the zonal elimination was very satisfactory, and tasked the athletes to go for gold in all the events they registered for.
“We are coming to Lagos with high expectations. Lagos is our home and we believe that our brothers and sisters, who are living in Lagos will come out in their numbers to support us. Lagos will enjoy a massive support but I believe that we will perform better than the previous editions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Local Organising Committee LOC of the 18th National Sports Festival, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has urged participating teams to embrace fair play during the sporting fiesta.
—Sunday Akintoye