How Gombe State made it to the 7th National Youth Games in Asaba.

 

By Uzor Odigbo

Gombe State is probably the only participating state from the North East that will contest for medals in One Sport, (AthIetics) when the 2023 Youth Games flags off.

The Gombe State Sports Commission actually had Trials for the National Youth Games, at last, the Government could not release funds for the state NYG participation.   

A philanthropists and Sports loving Son of Gombe State, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe had to lead from the front by sponsoring over 25 young AthIetes and Officials from his newly established AthIetics Academy to represent the State in Asaba.   

 During TheNiche interview with the Director of the Academy and Technical Assistant to Alhaji Gara Gombe, Prince Simon Ayuba said, Gombe State have to be represented instead being absent at this National Sport carnival, insisting that, the talented Athletes are in Asaba to get needed exposure and to strenghten their bond and believe in "One Nigeria'. Also to witness other Boys and girls doing sports from different parts of Nigeria as all of them are visiting this part of the country for the first time".  

 " We are ready to participate at the National Youth Games but not too crazy about winning medals, if medals come, we will thank God, Ayuba told TheNiche Newspaper in their beautiful camp in Asaba.   

Meanwhile, some of the young talents from Gombe Athletics Academy however countered their boss's submissions as they claimed to be ready to contest for medals in Asaba.     

Ever smiling Blessing Ehi-ikpa, Samuel Okeke and Zainab Nafada assured of their readiness to fight for medals in 200m, 100m, 400m, 800m, long jump and in the relays.    

Luckily, the Gombe AthIetics contingent have been screened and cleared for Competitions