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Gov Diri Opens Draws, Present Kits To Participants, As Minister Endorse Prosperity Cup.
Senator Douye Diri has performed the official draws ceremony and presentation of kits to perticipants of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament,known as the Prosperity Cup.
While performing the official draws and presentation of kits to the participants at the main bowl of the Samson Siasia, Sport Complex,Ovom Yenagoa. On Thursday 2nd May 2024, shortly after the weekly Prosperity Walk, the governor officially kick-off the tournament coming up on the 18th of May, 2024,presented the kits to male and female team which signifies the official kitting of the teams.
Governor Diri in his remarks, emphasised the need for young footballers to combine sports and education, noting that education and sports are two major tools with which the youths can be engaged meaningfully, describing sports as a booming business all over the world.
He commended the Hon Minister of Sports and youth development Senator John Enoh for their support and endorsement of the Bayelsa Governor’s Cup, saying their support is a testament of the Minister’s passion for grassroots sports development. He added that this endorsement has further demonstrated the acceptance of the tournament nationwide and beyond.
While addressing newsmen, the Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, explained that the impact of the tournament to the society has surpassed their expectations such that a good number of the players are already plying their trade abroad.
The DG, who commended the governor for making sure that sport is one of the cardinal objective of his administration said that a lot of youths even the state own football club Bayelsa united is benefitting from the tournament .
He equally said that through the tournament the state is now experiencing a drop in crime to the barest minimum in the state.
Akpe, who announced the Federal Ministry of Sport endorsement, commended the Minister of Sport, for his support for the tournament, adding that at the end of the tournament the organizers will be expecting the Minister to grace the tournament.
On their part the teams expressed joy at having their jerseys and are set to lock horns with fellow teams in the coming weeks. Season 6 promises to eclipse all other editions with all teams looking to grab the ultimate prize.
The tournament which is the 6th edition will host no fewer than 200 teams in 22 centers across the state on a knockout basis.
In attendance were the Majority Leader of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, other Assembly members, Head of Service Barr. (Mrs) Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, other members of the State Exco, Deputy Chief of Staff Hon Irorodamie Komonibo, Director of Sports Sir Braveman Wordi amongst others.
