By GOC Nwadike
The Imo State trials for the 17 approved sports in the upcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) are set to commence on Thursday, March 13, in Owerri, the state capital.
Following the completion of local government and zonal trials last week, no fewer than 700 athletes—out of over 1,000 originally registered—are expected to participate in the state-level competition.
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, the venue for the trials, sporting facilities, including tracks and pitches, have undergone facelifts in preparation for the event. Additional work is ongoing at the indoor sports hall and hostels to accommodate athletes and officials.
On Wednesday, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the Imo Liaison Committee for the festival, Mr. Obinna Onyeocha, led committee members on an inspection tour of the facilities. Onyeocha expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and assured Imo residents of the state’s strong chances at the festival.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival, a flagship program of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) aimed at sports development and talent discovery, is scheduled to take place from April 1 to 9 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Hope Uzodinma has pledged his support for the event and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to success. He personally unveiled the festival’s mascot last Friday in Owerri.
