Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Friday said that the state would participate and win the 19th National Sports Festival billed for Abuja in December.

The governor gave the assurance when he received the symbolic Torch Of Unity at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Okowa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Festus Ovie-Agas, said that Delta as home of sports, would go to Abuja to win the festival.

He said, “Delta is sports loving, it has left no stone unturned to develop sports facilities and manpower.

“It has put together viable sports programmes to develop its youths and prepare them for competitions.

“As you are aware, Delta has won the sports festival several times and we will participate in this 2018 edition, determined to win; we are coming to Abuja to win again at the 19th National Sports Festival.”

Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, represented by Sunday Obot, Zonal Coordinator, South South, Ministry of Youths and Sports, presented the Torch to the governor.

Dalung said that the sports festival, which was instituted shortly after the Nigerian civil war, had continued to play vital roles in bringing Nigerians together.

He said that the presentation of the Torch to the governor was an invitation to the state to participate in the festival. (NAN)