NSF: Ebonyi Surpasses Medal Achievement

Ebonyi has surpassed its achievement at the last National Sports Festival in Kaduna-2009, by winning one silver and three bronze medals at the on-going festival in Port Harcourt.

The state occupied the 36th position on the medals table in Kaduna where it won a bronze medal from the power lifting event.

The four medals won so far by the team were all from the wrestling event, through Abraham Onyemelesi (74kg-silver), Desmond Ibe 84kg-bronze and Nnanna Okoronkwo (120kg- bronze).

Emmanuel Utobo, Acting Director of Sports in the state, expressed happiness over the development and expressed optimism that the state would clinch more medals at the festival.

“I want to commend the athletes for their efforts so far and charge them to ensure that they go for the ultimate which is gold.

“Winning gold medals would be an ideal way of repaying the government and people of the state for their tremendous support to the contingent,” he said.

Utobo noted that the feat was achieved through proper planning and resolve to succeed at the festival by the officials and athletes.

“We ensured that we selected athletes who were the best in their events and motivated them adequately for the festival.

“We also ensured that the athletes were active and dedicated while settling all issues that would have brought discontentment during the festival.

Okwudili Robinson, Wrestling Head Coach of the Ebonyi team also expressed happiness over the development and noted that the wrestlers would not relent until they win gold medals for the state.

“They are a dedicated bunch that want to make names for themselves through the sport and I am happy that their dedication is paying-off,” he said.

Okwudili who claimed to have won over 285 medals for the state since he was employed in the state’s Sports Council in 1998, lamented that his exploits had not been recognised by the state government.

“I have been denied my promotion despite bringing several glories to the state and I feel this is an opportunity for the government to give me due recognition,” he said.