TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says the National Sports Festival is the breeding ground for the cultivation of sporting talents that have catalysed the socio-cultural integration of the country.

Buhari, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 21st edition of the bi-annual festival in Asaba, Delta state on Wednesday night, was represented by Sunday Dare, the sports and youth development minister.

“This event is in keeping faith with the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers who recognised the unifying power of sports in strengthening the fabric of our social cohesion,” the president said.

“Super stars like Innocent Egbunike, Chidi Imoh Henry Amike, Yusuf Ali, Osmond and Davidson Ezinwa and Mary Onyali, amongst others, came up through this festival, using it as a springboard to international stardom and went on to enjoy highly decorated careers as record breakers and record makers.

“They are also illustrious examples for all of you gathered here in terms of hard work, dedication, consistency and discipline.”

Buhari urged the athletes to see the competition as an opportunity to make new friends, forge enduring links with fellow contestants, test the limits of their endurance and be the very best they could be.

Thousands of athletes from 36 states and the FCT will compete in various sports at the festival billed to end on December 10.