Rivers State continued the final state trials for weightlifters, swimmers, boxers and para-lifters as the athletes battled for places in Team Rivers contingent for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).
The games will be held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1-8.
The Boxing and Weightlifting Arena on Niger Street in Old Port Harcourt Township came alive as athletes showed their skills and willingness to be part of the festival train.
The state technical coordinators believe they have identified some promising athletes with high potential for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Coach Aduche Ojadi, the state’s weightlifting coach, said the athletes have been training intensively for some time and the trials was expected have been a true test of their strength and endurance.
“The Niger Delta Sports Festival is indeed a fantastic initiative, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and potentially launch their careers. The fact that the trials are already yielding promising new athletes is a testament to the festival’s importance,” Coach Aduche said.
“The festival is a great way to identify and nurture young talents, and the NDDC’s support is crucial in making this happen. By providing opportunities for young athletes to compete and develop their skills, the NDDC is not only promoting sports development but also contributing to the overall well-being of the region and country,” Coach Aduche concluded.
Gift Otuonye, the state’s boxing coach, believes that the trials provided her with the opportunity to see and assess boxers she had not known before. She said that she has assembled champions that would be able to replicate the golden era of the sport for the state.
According to her, “The boxers are all good and we are hopeful. I think that with the opportunities being provided by this Niger Delta Sports Festival, many athletes, especially boxers, will want to take advantage, come out of the creeks and embrace sports. It is time to relaunch boxing to enviable heights in the state and region “.
The state trials will be concluded on Tuesday at different centers with Basketball, Football, Wrestling , Handball , Table tennis and Athletics taking the center stage.
