N45m For Grabs As Prizes

President Goodluck Jonathan has added another dimension to the National Sports Festival after announcing a cash prize for the top three finishers at the national sports fiesta, beginning with the ongoing 18th edition in Lagos, Eko 2012.

Cash prizes of N20m, N15m and N10m are now to go to the overall winners, first and second runners up, respectively.

The President, who was represented by his vice, Arch. Namadi Sambo made the declaration during the opening ceremony of the 18th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012, last night in Lagos.

Declaring the Festival open, the president enjoined the athletes to be magnanimous in victory and graceful in defeat. He said that his administration recognises the role of sports in national development and reiterated his commitment to the development of the sector in order to realise the nation’s full potentials .

Also speaking, the host Governor, Barr Babatunde Fashola commended Rivers State, the host of the last edition for elevating the profile and raising the bar in the organisation of the festival.

He assured all officials and participants of a healthy and fair competition and urged all teams to strive to compete fairly and officials to officiate justly.