By Stella Kabruk
Kaduna – Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Friday urged the state’s athletes billed to participate at the National Youth Games in Ilorin to be good ambassadors.
El-Rufai who made the call while addressing the state contingent before its departure from Kaduna said the said athletes should behave well and be of good conduct during the competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that El-Rufai was represented by the Chairman of the state House of Assembly’s Committee on Sports, Yakubu Bitiyong.
“I urge all of you to be of good conduct during the competition and be good ambassadors of the state. I also wish you safe participation in all the games you are featuring in.
“I am aware you are participating in 12 games and, with these, we are expecting 12 medals from all the state’s sports associations,’’ El-Rufai said.
The governor also urged them to remain focused and work hard during the competition.
“At your age, I urge you to remain focused on what is taking you there and plan for a good future in your life. Discipline should be your watch word.
“Make sure also that you win by not cheating, because you are full of energy and ideas,’’ he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Danauta, urged the athletes to conquer and return with exploits.
“I will be waiting to receive you triumphantly with medals. I want you to return with nothing less than 12 medals,’’ he said.
NAN reports that the Games will officially get underway on Saturday, and will come to a close on Sept. 30.