NYG 2023: SPORTS COMMISSIONER, OKORONKWO STORMS ASABA TO CHEER IMO ATHLETES TO VICTORY

...Reveals Gov Uzodimma’s Love for Youths, Sports 

By Anthony Ahize 

The Imo state commissioner for Youths, Sports and social development Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo stormed team Imo camp in Asaba on Thursday the 28th of September 2023 to cheer young Imo Contingents at the 7th edition of the National Youth Games, the Statesman newspaper sports desk can exclusively report. 

Okoronkwo visited the team camp to supervise the welfare of Imo Athletes and then from there moved to the stadium to cheer Imo Athletes to victory. 

Team Imo who has so far won two gold medals, three silver medals and 3 bronze medals, with other events still in the pipeline as at the time of this report.

Okoronkwo offered his warm commendations to the exceptional performances of Team Imo at the ongoing National Youths Games fiesta 2023 and revealed Gov Uzodimma’s interest in their performance.

In his statement, he said, "So far, so good. His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, is diligently monitoring the performances of Imo Contingents and has already expressed his satisfaction. He has entrusted me with conveying the overwhelming solidarity of Imolites to our youthful Contingent. I, therefore, urge all of you to showcase the creativity and well-tested sportsmanship of Imo Youths/athletes both within and beyond Nigeria." Okoronkwo said.

Addressing newsmen who gathered round him with questions, Okoronkwo said; 

“As you have noticed, you will realize that team Imo is not associated with any negative news that concerns lack of funding and welfare, some few states may have had issues of funding and the athletes being stranded, but that is not the case of Imo state.

Our Athletes are all in good conditions and are well taken care of, you can call any athlete and ask them yourself and you will see how happy they are, there is no rancor and everyone of them is focused on the task ahead. 

This is so because our Governor, His Excellency distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is a lover of Sports and youths.

His love for Youth development is what has metamorphosed to team Imo’s success at this NYG. 

The youths is the top priority of the 3R administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma and he is leaving no stone unturned to ensure not only that this Athletes compete here but also to sustain the momentum after this contest. The facilities are there at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.” Okoronkwo said. 

During the screening before the commencement of the games, so many athletes  from various states  where disqualified from the competition but the commissioner has this to say; 

“One thing you must know about Imo state is that we play by the rules and that is the reason why none of our Athletes was disqualified and this is why we were not bothered about the outcome of the screening process. Remember our Governor was once a law maker, he has set an example for us to stick to the rules, so we keyed in to that factor and so playing by the rules is seamless for us. “ Okoronkwo concluded. 

The Presence of the Imo state Youths and sports commissioner served as an inspiration factor for the already excited and happy Imo athletes.