Gloria Diri Foundation Unveils Two Athletes Ahead of Niger Delta Sports Festival

The Bayelsa State Canoeing Association has concluded final trials for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival slated from 1st through the 9th of April, 2025 in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The final trial held at the Peace park in Yenagoa had five male and four female who have qualified for the Niger Delta Sports Festival slated for next month.

The qualified athletes are Goodluck Kingsley, Education Timbiri, Igole Ebimobowei, Sinivie Alfred, Goodluck Independent while the athletes include; Tubolayefa Sawyer, Esther Beke, Vivian Timbiri and Margaret Alaowei.

Two canoeing athletes that qualified for the festival in Uyo, a male and female are Tubolayefa Sawyer female and Goodluck Kingsley male are products of the Gloria Diri Foundation, GDF a foremost foundation in the state that is investing hugely in sports development.

Unveiling the athletes at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State first lady, Dr. Mrs Gloria Diri represented by the Foundation Director of Sports, Mr. Ebiki Timitimi, said the foundation is pleased to identify with the two athletes that would be representing the state at the NDDC sports festival.

The first lady noted that the foundation would do everything possible to ensure that the duo of Tubolayefa Sawyer and Goodluck Kingsley achieved their dreams, stating that the foundation would provide kits for the athletes in all their trips.

According to her, the latest development is a testament of the foundation’s desire to positively engage the youths in the state through sports, pointing out that she is passionate in the discovery of more talents that would represent the state and nation in the future.

Also, Secretary of the Association, Mrs. Erekposeigha Timitimi-Funwei and Head Coach Inifa Gagbe, said they are confident that the athletes will come out victorious in the games in Uyo, stating that the athletes have over the last two weeks shown commitment towards the games.

The duo appreciated the first lady, Dr. Mrs Gloria Diri for the laudable investment in the development of sports, describing her as a quintessential woman.

Two of the athletes Tubolayefa Sawyer and Goodluck Lawrence in separate interviews, said they are excited to represent Bayelsa and they are as well grateful to God and Gloria Diri foundation for the opportunity, promising to come home with gold medals.