Athletics

Delta 2022: Okowa downplays Team Delta’s unassailable lead

Co-Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 21st NationalSports Festival, Tonobok Okowa, has downplayed the brilliant start of the host state to the Games.

Okowa attributed Team Delta’s dominance at the Games to its level of preparedness amid adequate welfare of the athletes.

Team Delta as of Monday night had won over 80 medal including 43 gold medals while Ogun, Oyo who are in second and third positions were still short of 10 gold medals each.

“We were well-prepared for the Games and we believe we have athletes good enough to give other states a good fight in any event. Delta is used to getting good results anywhere but we have bigger responsibility here.

“To have 36 states and Abuja in Asaba for the Sports Festival is a big task and so we are more particular about making everyone feel at home to compete in a good atmosphere.

“We are working hard to ensure a hitch-free event. The facilities are there but there are many other logistics involved in staging a big event like this. It is our own Olympics but we are up to the task since we also hosted African

Athletics championship only a few years back.
“Running a good show all the way to December 10 is the priority of the LOC, to win the games in the end will only be an icing on the cake,” Okowa said.