Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the reward of athletes who won laurels and made FCT proud during the 2022 National Sports Festival.
It would be recalled that the past administration could not honour the athletes but after a prolonged delay, there is a light on the horizon as the present administration under Wike has agreed to reward the athletes for their efforts.
In a statement issued by the Director of the Sports FCT Department, Mr Luka Istifanus, the minister in his magnanimity said that athletes deserve to be rewarded for representing the FCT at the Festival.
“FCT in 2022 hit a milestone like never before when they emerged 9th position which has never been done by the FCT team in the past National Sports Festivals.
“Athletes are elated to have a sports-loving minister like His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who rewards hard work and excellence.
“We have enjoyed good attention from the minister since he assumed office. He understands that sports is a key factor in the FCT and the country. He is always concerned about the welfare of the athletes that is why he approved this reward for them to keep representing the FCT with a winning mentality.”
The Director of Sports also highlighted that the FCT is preparing well for the 2024 Gateway Games taking place in Ogun State in January 2025. The award ceremony has been scheduled for December.
On the other hand, the athletes have also appealed to the minister to extend the gesture accorded to the senior elite athletes of the National Sports Festival to the U-15 as well those that represented the FCT at the National Youth Games in 2023 and 2024 as they came 7th and 9th on the table respectively.
Sporting Tribune reports that the 2022 National Sports Festival was hosted by Delta State.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM SPORTING TRIBUNEÂ
Mouktar congratulates Olopade, Gusau on appointment, election
