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By Joe Apu
As preparations intensify for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDG), the Ondo State Liaison Committee has charged coaches across the 17 participating sports to present only the best athletes to represent the state.
The 2nd Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited, is scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27.
The Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Henry Babatunde, gave the directive during an interface with coaches at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure. He urged them to intensify training programmes ahead of the trials in order to improve the athletes’ competitive readiness.
Babatunde commended the coaches for the large turnout of registered athletes but stressed the need for early preparation, even before the commencement of trials.
“We should intensify training, even though trials have not commenced. The athletes that will attend the trials must be prepared for the task ahead,” he said.
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He also cautioned the coaches against favoritism, emphasizing that the selection process must be transparent and based strictly on merit.
Another member of the committee, Mr. Akintunde Akinsemola, advised the coaches to utilize the services of the available medical team to monitor the health status of athletes throughout the camping period.
“Get the medical team to do a simple health check of your athletes from the day they enter camp till they depart for Benin. Be vigilant and revert to our doctors if you detect any anomaly,” he said.
Akinsemola further reminded the coaches to ensure that athletes have their National Identification Number (NIN) and other required documents ready for the screening exercise ahead of the competition.
The newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs. Evelyn Lebi, who is also a member of the committee, assured that all the issues raised would be closely monitored to ensure a strong outing at the Games.
She also appreciated the coaches for their prompt response during the registration process, describing it as satisfactory.
