287 athletes and 127 officials from Abia State who departed for the 9th National Youth Games holding in Asaba, Delta State, have been warned against being rude to their coaches but to be disciplined.
The athletes were also charged to sweep medals at the National competition, and expect great rewards from Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Nwaobilor Ananaba who addressed the athletes and their officials before their departure on Tuesday, in Umuahia, urged them to be disciplined.
He also urged the athletes to play according to the rules of the games they are participating in, informing them that the National Youth Games will present them with the chances to represent Nigeria in future international games.
Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George disclosed that Abia State was travelling with a contingent of 415 persons, comprising 287 athletes and 127 officials, who would participate in 31 games, describing the number as the highest since the creation of the State.
He promised that the state will surpass the 10th position it occupied at the previous National Youth Games and thanked Governor Otti and the Commissioner for the providing the needed facilities to train the athletes.
George listed the games Abia will participate in to include: Football, beach volleyball, handball, Rugby and Hockey.
Cricket, Athletics, Kickboxing, Table Tennis, Swimming among other games are all the Abia athletes will compete in at the August 26 -September 6 National Games.
