To show that all hands are on deck to host the maiden edition of the Buhari National Youth Open Swimming Competition slated for 10th to 16th November 2016 in Akwa Ibom State, the organising Committee of the event has presented Trophies of different sizes to be won at the championship to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung in Abuja.
Presenting the trophies to the Permanent Secretary – Mr Chinyeaka Ohaa on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Ademola Are – Director, Grassroots Sports Development in the Ministry, who was accompanied by members of the organizing committee, recalled that the National Youth Open Swimming Competition was borne out of the challenge thrown by Mr. President sometimes ago that the country should venture into other sports with prospects for more medals in future competitions.
He commended the leadership of the Ministry for key in into the dream and for giving the necessary support for the realization of the objective.
Receiving the five trophies on behalf of the Hon. Minister, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa explained that President Muhammad Buhari is a father figure in sports development whose passion for grassroots sports is commendable. He also praised the sponsor of the championship and the Project consultant for their handwork and support .
Members of the Organising Committee later presented the Trophies to the Chairman/Coordinator of the event – Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya who described the initiative as another way of providing the youth with gainfully employment as well as promoting national unity through sports.
The Sponsor of the Championship, Senator Godswill Apabio commended the President for the initiative and called for increased investment in sports as a panacea for youth unemployment in our country.
The consultant to the project Dr. Godwin Mbine described Senator Apabio as a great lover of sports with enviable records in sports development.
Tolu Makinde
Director (Press).
