Ado Salisu
Kano state athletes are set to surpass their previous record in the upcoming 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games,scheduled to commenced from May 16 to 30, this year in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The state contingent which are expected to depart the ancient city of the Pyramid on May 14th and 15th consists a total of 173 athletes, 97 coaches , journalists and organizing secretaries as well as 15 government officials.
The acting chairman of the State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge popularly known as FIFA dropped this hints shortly after the secretary of the state Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk alongside the commissioner for youth and sports, Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso and other top government officials received the Torch of Unity ahead of the fiesta.
Ibrahim Umar Fagge explained that the athletes are expected to compete in the 20 events which include individual and team events such as judo, boxing, cycling, karate, kungfu, swimming, taekwondo, kick boxing, dambe, kokawa, para power lifting, golf, shooting, handball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, chess among others.
He added that the athletes have been receiving vigorous training aimed at ensuring winning more medals at the end of the festival, charging them to exhibit discipline, sportsmanship and be good ambassadors to the state.
While commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unflinching support morally and financially, he pledged that the commission will continue to do their best towards the overall development of various sporting events in the state and the country at large.
The acting chairman, however, expressed gratitude to the state Commissioner for youth and sports, Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the special adviser to the Governor on youth and sports, Alhaji Sani Danka and other stakeholders for their contributions and support, reiterating the commission’s commitment and determination in order to restore the glory of various sporting events in the state.
Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge warned the athletes and coaches to desist from anything capable of tarnishing the image of the state during the festival.