The arrival of participants for the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) began on Sunday when Team Ondo became the first team to arrive Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital, the hosts of the Festival.
Team Ondo which consist of 313 athletes and 56 coaches were received on arrival by a combination of members of the Festival Accommodation, Transport and Administration Committees that ensured a stress-free transition to their camp after undergoing accreditation process.
“We are committed to ensuring that all participants enjoy pleasant experiences all through this first of its kind Festival,” said Itiako Ikpokpo, Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the festival. He said the Organising Committee elected to receive the contingent two days earlier than the official arrival date at extra costs.
The Ondo state contingent travelled ahead of the official arrival date due to distance and also considered the need to move on slow pace with long convoy of vehicles given the large number of athletes.
Mrs Tolu Adeyemi, the leader of delegation and Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development said the reception they got was heartwarming and thanked the Organising Committee for their efforts.
“We must acknowledge and appreciate the magnanimity of the organisers to incur extra cost to host us ahead of the scheduled arrival date.
“This reception is indicative that the Festival will live up to all that we have been told at several meetings prior to today. We are excited,” the team leader stated.
Some of the athletes who said it was their first experience of attending a sports event of this magnitude outside their state expressed gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for offering them the opportunity to be part of the festival.
“After qualifying from the local government trials and also making the mark in the state finals last week, it has been like a dream until we boarded the vehicle to come here.
“Arriving here is the most awesome experience in my quest to make a career in sports. It’s unbelievable but real and I intend to make the most of it,” Michael Akinsiku, the Athletics team captain told a handful of local media that witnessed their arrival.
The NDSF will be held from April 1-8 with competition in 17 sports at five venues. The organisers have carried out extensive renovation works at the venues which include the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary School and Ultrafit Sports Centre.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) is expected to officially flag off the festival at a ceremony billed for the Uyo Township Stadium, on Wednesday, April 2.
