National Sports Festival: Cross River Recieve Unity Torch.. Charge Contingents To Return Victorious




As part of the customs and requirements for the National Sports Festival, the 'Unity Torch' which symbolises Unity and the symbol of the Festival has been received by His Excellency, the State Governor, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade at the U. J. Esuene Sports Stadium, Calabar.

Speaking during the reception of the unity torch, the State Governor, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade represented by his deputy Professor Ivara Esu noted that the State is a major participant in the national festival and is happy to have received the torch, stating that the enthusiasm in the air conveyed by the athletes, indicates that they are ready.

The Governor who praised the attitude of the athletes stated that "Cross River State no dey carry last" and that the State athletes have been training very hard and is sure they will come back with as many laurels as possible and make the State proud.

"We are happy to have received the torch and we can see the enthusiasm in the air showing clearly that Cross River is ready to participate in the games.

Continuing the Governor said " Our athletes are in high spirits and they know that in Cross River, " we no d carry last" they have trained very hard for this and on our part as government we promise to give them the enabling support to come out victorious. "



He wished the athletes the best as they compete in the festival, and assured them of governments support for their welfare all through the competition.

Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Sports and Cinematography, Chief Offu Aya stated that athletes from the State have been training and are ready to make the state proud and return her back to her glory days, adding that their rigorous training will pay off as they compete against their opponents from other States.

He charged them to be good ambassadors of the State and put in their best to ensure that many laurels are won for the State.

On his part, the Zonal Coordinator, South South Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sylvester Essiet, explained that every festival, the torch of unity goes round the Federation, informing that the significance is that it promotes peace, unity and friendship, which is the hallmark of the competition.

He further explained that the unity torch relay was flagged off on the 30th of January, 2020 by the president and has gone round the States in the North East, North Central, North West and South East while Calabar marks the beginning of the South South States tour.

He noted that after the South South States, the torch would move to the South West and finally to Edo State on the 22nd of March for the official opening ceremony of the 20th National Sports Festival.

Mr. Essiet also informed that the host State is more than 90% ready for the festival and all the athletes and sports enthusiasts are looking forward to a fantastic and robust festival come 22nd March to April 1 2020 in Edo State.

He called on all stakeholders irrespective of their State's of origin to support and make sure it succeeds, noting that the national sports festival is an opportunity and a platform for the country to identify and produce athletes that will represent the country continentally and so it's a place for everybody.