National Youth Games: New Tobi Amusan, Osimhen set to be discovered as over 5000 children set to compete

The 8th edition of the National Youth Games, tagged Asaba 2024, flagged off on Wednesday with the opening ceremony at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.

The Games Village officially opened on Monday, September 9, 2024, providing accommodation for the over 5,000 athletes participating in the competition.

Athletes will be housed at various venues, including Dennis Osadebay University, the Sports Commission hostel, Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), and Infant Jesus Academy.

The Organisers have assured athletes of comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout the Games.

Harrison Ocholor, Chairman of the NYG media subcommittee, emphasised the importance of athlete well-being and fair competition.

"The health and overall well-being of the young athletes participating in the competition is key and is being taken seriously by the organizers.

"He advised all states’ contingents to compete fairly, as the organizers would not tolerate any form of cheating throughout the Games," he said.

Dr Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the Delta State Government, expressed the state's full preparedness for a successful hosting of the Games.

Emu added that the state has implemented robust security measures to ensure the safety of all participants.

"After an inspection visit of various facilities for the competition, I can assure you that the facilities, including competition venues, accommodation facilities, and arrangements for transportation are satisfactory," he said.

The main bowl, indoor sports halls, swimming pool, VVIP and VIP lounges at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, the Cenotaph sports center, hockey pitch are some of the facilities that will host the games.