National Sports Festival: Cross River shines, makes best record in 22 years


Despite participating with least contingent and sports, Cross River State's team to the just concluded National Sports Festival, Edo 2021, has made the state proud by recording highest medal haul since inception of the competition. 


Out of the 38 sports approved for the tournament, Cross River contigent participated in only 12, winning 9 Gold, 6 Silver and 15 bronze medals making it a total of 30 medals thus finishing 12th on the final medals table, a feat that has not been achieved in the past 22 years. 


Speaking  on the feat, elated Commissioner for Sports and Cinematography, Chief Offu E Aya, attributed the success to the unceasing encouragement and support of "our ever-caring digital, youth friendly Governor  His Excellency, Senate Professor Ben Ayade who has kept every stakeholder in the sports cluster on their feet" 


" As you can see I am very happy right now because indeed our athletes have made us proud. We came here with less than 70 athletes participating in only 12 sports out of 38 and for them to be able to win this number of medals is quite commendable", the Commissioner further stated.

He said that all lovers of sports in Cross River were grateful to the governor for his encouragement and support to the contingent. 

The Commissioner commended the state Sports Commission under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Elom for their commitment and individual sacrifices throughout the two weeks events.

Chief Aya noted that their participation at the event has further exposed them to  some of the areas they have to urgently improve upon as many of the medalists from the state will soon be invited at the National level for Tokyo 2021 Olympic.


Also speaking, Elom Praised the state athletes for their resilience adding that the spirit of enterprise governor Ayade has instilled in Cross Riverians gave the athletes an edge over their competitors. He expressed optimism that the state will do even better in future competitions.