By Chidi Nwoke, Abuja.
The host team Delta was officially declared the winner of the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival, labeled Delta 2022, defending the title it won in the last edition after claiming 320 gold, 200 silver and 128 bronze medals in Asaba, Delta State.
The Bayelsa team finished second with 132 gold, 115 silver, and 90 bronze medals, while the Edo team placed third with 78 gold, 94 silver, and 167 bronze medals to complete the top three states.
The closing ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba was filled with fanfare as schoolchildren and musicians entertained the spectators, showcasing some of Nigeria’s traditional dress and culture.
Around 14,000 athletes from the 36 federation states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), competed for honors in 38 sporting events, at different venues in Asaba and other cities in Delta state.
Youth Development and Sports Minister Sunday Dare represented President Muhammadu Buhari at Saturday’s closing ceremony, where he handed over the games trophy to Delta Sports Commission Chairman Tonobok Okowa and Delta Deputy Governor Delta state, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro.
“We thank Delta State for showing us what it means to be committed to sports development. We are all winners.” Sports Minister Sunday Dare said at the closing ceremony.
“Sport has proven to be a facilitator of economic development. The power of sport is unassailable.”
After successfully defending the title they won at the 20th edition of the games party, Delta State continues to prove that it is the number one state for sports in Nigeria after coming out victorious in the 21st edition.
The victory on home soil made it the eighth (eighth) time Delta State has won the national sports festival in 10 appearances.
