Champions of the National Sports Festival, Delta State, are hitting Ogun State with a large contingent of 1,100 athletes and officials as they hope to defend their title at the Gateway Games 2024.
The contingent consists of 704 athletes, 160 technical officials, 16 officiating officials, and 220 accompanying personnel. They departed Asaba on Friday with high hopes of asserting the state’s dominance on the national stage.
Addressing the contingent before departure, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, urged the athletes and officials to uphold the values of discipline, unity, and excellence as they represent the state.
“You are the pride of Delta State. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains unwavering in his support for sports as a key driver of youth development. Compete with pride, dignity, and the winning mentality that Delta is known for.
“Challenges will come, but with focus and determination, you will rise above them. Go and defend our title. Go and make Delta proud” he said.
Delta State hosted the last edition of the sports festival in 2022 and have won the last four editions.
They also won in Bauchi 2000 before adding three consecutive titles in Abuja 2004, Gateway 2006 and Kada 2009.
In the reviewed final medals table, Delta State maintained its lead with a total of 280 gold, 168 silver and 120 bronze medals, followed by Bayelsa, Edo and Oyo States, which pooled 106 gold, 69 gold and 43 gold medals respectively.
