The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has warned that any attempts at age cheating at the National Youth Games would not be tolerated, reiterating that the Games were intended for athletes of 15 years and below.
Senator Enoh, who emphasised the importance of upholding the integrity of the games by strictly adhering to the age requirement, called on participating states to embrace the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
He also urged spectators and fans to support the young athletes representing their states in the various sports and events.
This was contained in a release issued on Thursday, September 12, 2024, by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister, Diana-Mary Nsan, and made available to journalists.
The statement disclosed that the minister officially declared the Games open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
“As the name of the Games implies, this competition is strictly for the youth. We are committed to providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents in a fair and transparent environment. The technical team has been instructed to ensure that only athletes within the age bracket of 15 years and below participate.
“Age cheating undermines the purpose of these Games, and we will take firm measures to prevent it,” Senator Enoh said.
Delta State, with a reputation for its rich sporting culture, is playing host to this year’s event, and the stage is set for an exciting celebration of youth talents and sportsmanship.
The National Youth Games have become an important event in the nation’s sports calendar, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete at a national level and hone their skills.
The Games are also crucial for Nigeria’s talent identification and development strategy, helping to groom the next generation of sporting stars.
