After their successful outing in the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba Delta State tagged Asaba 2024.
Team Bayelsa return home to X-ray the performance of the various associations and areas of improvement as the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State approaches.
The meeting which had in attendance coaches and secretaries of the various associations was attended by the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, Permeant secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, Director of Sports, Sir. Braveman Wodi and Heads of Department.
Addressing the coaches and secretaries, commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali said the meeting became imperative due to the performance of the state, maintaining that the most important thing was to groom talents ahead of next edition.
While appreciation the coaches and the athletes for their steadfastness, Dr Igali noted that a lot of work need to be done, that finishing 4th in the National Youth Games does not tell well of the State.
According to him, not finishing on the podium show that there is a serious issue with the youth development program, saying that the target for going to the next National Youth Games is to finish on the podium.
He particularly lauded the Chess team and coaches for their developmental programs, noting that the monthly programs was crucial to their success at the National Youth Games.
Responding to the coaches, Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi urged the coaches to be involved in grassroots development program, stating that grassroots remains the bedrock of sports.
He charged associations who did not record any medal to begin early preparations for the next year’s youths games, stressing that target is to move above the performance of the 8th edition of the National Youth Games.
On Table Tennis Association, the Director explained that he is aware of the suspended head coach that it is only president of the Nigeria Table Federation, Engr. Ishaku Tikon and the state chairman Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow that has the power to rectify the suspension.
Bayelsa finished 4th with 61 medals comprising 16 gold,19 silver and 26 bronze medals with three gold separating Lagos and Edo from Bayelsa State.
