Garden City Games: Opening Ceremony Excites Residents

The colourful opening ceremony that heralded the official commencement of the 17th National Festival yesterday in Port Harcourt has been described by residents as unprecedented.

Speaking to Tide Sports shortly after the pyrotechnics and fireworks at the venue of the event at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, the residents scored the organizers high for being hitch free.

One Mr Kingsley Onumara said the event was world standard, “I have not seen such thing like this before. Because people from all walks of life are here today to witness this colourful event. I think the Government of the state has done well.”

Another spectator and dealer on soft drinks at the entrance of the stadium David Aluge said the environment is cossy and well arranged to accommodate the mammoth crowd that witnessed the ceremony.

Mr Aluge described the event as, “wonderful and the crowd very happy,” adding, “this is what we want our Governor to be doing because it brings happiness and unity to the state.”

The young trader disclosed that he has made quick sales since he displayed his goods in the afternoon due to the huge crowd that attened the programme.

Similarly, Mrs Amaka Elijah said what thrilled her at the opening ceremony was the music and calisthenics that were performed at the centre stage of the stadium.

Mrs Amaka said she has made new friends in course of attending the ceremony, stressing that she loves athletics and is always attracted to sports activities.

In her views, Miss Joy Saturday stated that what captured her fancy at the ceremony is the decoration and stage settings, mere looking at the athletes you see them dressed in their different cultural colours. I think that is beautiful.”

Miss Saturday opined that she would have loved to participate in athletics if she is given the opportunity, further commending the Rivers State Government for organising such event.