…Success Excites Stakeholders

Sports stakeholders have in Abuja commended theNational Sports Commission (NSC) for introducing the National Youth Games (NYG) and suggested ways of improving on the subsequent editions.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen said the first edition of the NYG was a partial success.

They however said subsequent editions needed to be improved upon for its objectives to be achieved.

The NYG is an initiative of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to discover talents within the ages of 13 and 17.

Benue Director of Sports, David Orngu, said the games’ rules have to be stated clearly before the next edition of the games to avoid contradictions in information to participants.

“This is the maiden edition and there must be some hiccups. But, by and large, it has been impressive because the organisers responded promptly to issues as they occurred.

“I think the screening and accreditation of the athletes needed to be improved upon in subsequent editions.

“Also, the rules have to be clearly stated and communicated on time to the participating states, because when you make your preparations and have things changed overnight, it is not easy to adapt.

“When we got here, some of the directors of sports were thrown into a state of confusion.

“But, I hope the rules will come early in the subsequent editions for states to prepare according to it, in terms of the category of athletes to bring,’’ Orngu said.

Bauchi State Director of Sports, Inuwa Isa, said stiffer penalties should be imposed on coaches and states found involved in presenting over-aged athletes.

“The screening was done well, but the problems we had were caused by the coaches. So, I think stiff penalties should be handed down for the coaches involved in presenting over-aged athletes.