A member of the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, has said that the National Sports Festival should be a true celebration of excellence in sports.

Abe, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial Zone, made the assertion in a telephone interview yesterday. He said the successful hosting of the 17th edition of the Games by Rivers was an indication that the nation could host major international sporting events.

Abe, a former Secretary to the Rivers government, said the successful hosting of the festival, tagged “Garden City Games’’, had redefined the concept of the Games.

“Every Nigerian should be happy and proud of what the Rivers State Government and its people did during the Games.

“They have redefined the festival and its concept in its spirit of development of athletes and provision of infrastructure,’’ he said.

The senator said the Games had brought some lessons to the entire sporting community in the country.

“Subsequent hosts and states should follow the same path to make the Games a true celebration of excellence in sports and an event of pride for the entire country,’’ he said.

He commended the government and people of Rivers for hosting the nation and adding value and new concept to the Games.

Abe also commended Team Rivers for topping the medals table at the end of the Games and commended Gov. Chibuike  Amaechi for his support to the festival and Team Rivers.

Rivers came first at the end of the festival with 135 gold, 79 silver and 85 bronze medals.