NYG 2013: 370 new talents discovered – Minister

The National Youth Games which debuted last week  in Abuja have ended with Cross Rivers State as the overall winner, Akwa Ibom as the first runner up, and Delta as the second runner up.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi,  urged Nigerians not to see the event, consisting of fourteen games, as a medal event but an event for talent discovery.
“The game is not about medals but to provide the platform for athletes to demonstrate their potentials. We have witnessed the spirit of sports amongst people at the length and breadth of this country. We have seen young people compete in 14 sports ,” the minister said.

Semi-final male volleyball event of the first National Youth Games between teams FCT (White) and Abia in Abuja.

Abdullahi also said that over 300 fresh talents were discovered.
“I have been told that more than 370 talents were discovered, a demonstration of why it is good to work together with a common objective. We are excited about the determination and the true spirit of sportsmanship that all athletes displayed throughout the event. Important lessons have been learnt and we believe that  the next one would be a lot better.”
The minister assured Nigerians that all the federations were ready to work with the new talents that were discovered.
“Already the federations are ready to invite the talents discovered into their games to prepare for the next Olympics. You may not see them competing immediately at the next commonwealth games but some of them will surely rise later.”

- Vanguard

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