Imo State government, through the Ministry of Sports, says it will embark on grassroots sporting activities to identify and groom young talents ahead of the 2026 National Youth Games and other national competitions.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Evarestus Obinna Onyeocha, disclosed this while briefing the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in his office over the weekend
Onyeocha, while expressing joy over the good performance of Team Imo in the just concluded National Youth Games, stated that grassroots sports, especially at the secondary school, will offer a formidable platform through which young and talented persons will be fished out to represent the state.
He commended the Team Imo for winning 3 gold medals in cricket, shooting and Abula as the case may be
Onyeocha further stated that outside winning 3 gold medals, Team Imo also won 3 silver medals and 6 bronze medals respectively.
While appreciating the team for their impressive outings in the last game, the Commissioner strongly assured that, given the level of plans and early sporting activities which the state wants to embark upon, more laurels will be won during the 2026 games
To achieve this, the Commissioner assured early camping and going back to secondary school games in the state to pick talented children of 12 years with a view to harnessing them..
He declared the government plans to continue to give the athletes who participated in the last National Youth Games and others continued training to fortify them before any national engagements.
Onyeocha, however, used the briefing to commend the Imo State chapter of SWAN for their good work and team spirit of partnership with the Ministry of Sports in the state.
While applauding them for their effective and up-to-date coverage of the NYG and Team Imo, he urged them to continue in the same manner for the sake of the development and growth of sports in the state.
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