NSF: Team Imo departs for Ogun with 318 athletes

…charged to win laurels

Team Imo’s contingent to the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway 2024, departed the state on Saturday afternoon with a strong resolve to make the best of the situation, despite some hiccups experienced during their build-up to the biennial competition.

Earlier in the day, there were anxieties surrounding Team Imo’s participation in the National Sports Festival due to uncertainty over the release of funds.

However, the team received a major boost following the cheering news of fund approval by the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

Now in high spirits, the contingent is determined to do the state proud despite the challenges faced.

Addressing the team before their departure, Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha—who represented Governor Hope Uzodimma—urged the athletes to compete clean and justify their selection for the competition.

He encouraged them to view the setbacks encountered during preparations as stepping stones toward achieving excellence in Ogun State.

The Commissioner also assured the contingent that their entitlements would be duly provided.

Imo State will participate in 33 sporting events, with 318 athletes and 118 officials making the trip to Ogun State.

The team is aiming to surpass the 12 gold medals won at the last National Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State.

Team Imo will compete in various sports including Swimming, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, Darts, Hockey, Athletics, Judo, Chess, Scrabble, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Abula, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Basketball, among others.