The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has warned that any attempts at age cheating in the National Youth Games would not be tolerated, reiterating that the Games were intended for athletes of 15 years and below.
Enoh, who emphasised the importance of upholding the integrity of the games by strictly adhering to the age requirement, called on participating states in the games to embrace the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
He also urged spectators and fans to support the young athletes representing their states in various sporting activities.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, by the Special Adviser (Media) to the minister, Diana-Mary Nsan, and made available to journalists.
The statement disclosed that the minister officially declared the National Youth Games open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
“As the name of the Games implies, this competition is strictly for the youth. We are committed to providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents in a fair and transparent environment. The technical team has been instructed to ensure that only athletes within the age bracket of 15 years and below participate.
“Age cheating undermines the purpose of these Games, and we will take firm measures to prevent it,” Enoh said.
Delta State is hosting this year’s event and the stage is set for an exciting celebration of youth talents and sportsmanship.
The National Youth Games have become an important event in the nation’s sports calendar, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete at a national level and hone their skills.
The NYG are also crucial for Nigeria’s talent identification and development strategy, helping to groom the next generation of sporting stars.
The opening ceremony promises to be a grand spectacle, with several dignitaries and sports stakeholders expected to grace the event in celebration of the future of Nigerian sports.