Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has congratulated the state’s contingent at the 21st National Sports Festival, which ended in Asaba, Delta State, at the weekend.
Bayelsa, for the first time in the festival’s history, placed second behind the host and winners, Delta State, garnering a total of 109 gold, 100 silver, and 84 bronze medals.
Governor Diri, in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said the government and people of Bayelsa were exceedingly proud of the spectacular performance of the state’s athletes at the festival.
The governor recalled his charge to the contingent before departing to Asaba to compete fairly and ensure that they return as worthy ambassadors of the state.
“I am particularly delighted at the exceptional performance of our state athletes at the National Sports Festival.
“On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I congratulate our worthy ambassadors of the festival.
“I commend and recognise the commitment of the state’s athletes to fair competition. Through their efforts, Bayelsa has become the talking point for sporting excellence in Nigeria,” he added.
The governor equally commended the effort of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Daniel Igali, in ensuring that the state’s athletes perform well at all times.
Bayelsa’s best performance in previous festivals was fourth place in 2006 when the governor was the Commissioner for Sports while it came third at Edo 2020 held last year in Benin City.