TheCable

Sunday Dare, minister of sports and youth development, has bagged a special recognition award in Maldives for his “impact on sports” in Nigeria since he assumed office in 2019.

The minister was honoured by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Maldives president, at the 2023 edition of the country’s sports awards.

Solih said his team has been monitoring Dare’s “progress” while commending him for revamping sports in Nigeria.

“I want people to know that we followed the progress of Hon. Sunday Dare over a period of time before deciding to honour him with this award and we believe his positive steps will continue to boost sports in Nigeria in the years to come,” he said.

Also speaking, Ahmed Mahloof, Maldives sports minister, described the award given to Dare as a “reward for hard work within a short time in office.”

Nwankwo Kanu, the former Nigerian international; Fabio Cannavaro, ex-Italy player; and  David James, former England international, were also conferred with ‘Sports Icons Awards’ at the event.

In his remark, Dare thanked organisers of the event for the award.

“This is a challenge for me to do more in any capacity I find himself. It is also important to state that Nigerian youths should always put in efforts to make an impact in every area they find themselves because you don’t know who is watching,” he said.

A total of 108 people, including national athletes of Maldives, received awards in 18 categories.