Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, insisted yesterday that Team Rivers’ ambition is to better her last performance in Abuja in 2019.
Speaking immediately after the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday night, Iyaye who came to cheer the team to victory, praised Edo State for a befitting opening ceremony.
“First, I want to commend the government of Edo State for a wonderful job, it was an awesome event considering several postponements of the festival. I think they have done a very good job with the opening ceremony and the facilities they have provided as host,” observed the chief sports officer of Rivers State.
“Our ambition is to win, but at the end of the week, we will be able to ascertain if that is possible or not,” he further stressed.
Team Rivers placed second at the 19th National Sports Festival behind Delta State with 69 gold, 58 silver and 67 bronze medals, while Edo finished third with 47 gold, 41 silver and 53 bronze medals.
Team Rivers has so far won two gold medals, one of which came from Judo.
Iyaye remained optimistic that the state will add to her medals and be in a good position as the games progressed.
He however, lamented the absence of fans due to the restrictions occasioned by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is unfortunately that our fans cannot be here to support their darling Team Rivers. But be that as it may, all we need is prayers and support from Rivers”.
He added: “For Team Rivers, this is just the beginning. We are hoping that at the end of the day, we will get more medals and be in a good position on the medal table”.
