A send forth reception was held for Team Nigeria on Sunday at the High Performance centre, Package B of the National Stadium, Abuja.
The reception was to formally bid the athletes farewell to the Olympic Games in Rio which starts on August 5, 2016.
On the occasion, the Chief -de-mission of Team Nigeria who is also the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa, thanked the athletes for their qualification and team spirit in the face of paucity of funds.
He charged them to shun all acts capable of bringing the nation to disrepute, including the use of performance enhancing drugs and flouting of camp rules.
“Strive to win without cutting corners or cheating. In particular do not engage in doping. Win cleanly and fairly.”
He promised that the government will pay all camp allowances and other entitlements due to the athletes before the end of the games.
“I want to assure you that the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development will leave no stone unturned in the implementation of the directives of Mr. President that athletes’ welfare be prioritized. Let me inform you that all your allowances, claims and entitlements due to you will be settled before the close of the games. Already, affirmative action has been taken to ensure that your camp allowances are paid. I’m sure you have started to receive alerts.” Ohaa said.
He urged the athletes who are on their way to Rio at about now to note that over 170 million Nigerians will be banking on them to do Nigeria proud.
“You will agree with me that President Muhammadu Buhari has a legendary track record for handsomely appreciating excellence and performance. So also are many individuals and Corporate Bodies. They will not disappoint if you bring glory and honor to Nigeria. The nation expects that you will be good ambassadors of Nigeria. As you depart for Rio, the nation salutes your patriotism and wishes you journey mercies as well as success in the Olympic adventure”.
