…Sports Commissioner Thanks Governor Udom Emmanuel For Sports Development
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Monday Ebong Uko has rewarded the state’s contingent for their performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.
Uko, who received the athletes at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Saturday morning, said the move became necessary to celebrate Christmas and the new year, encourage them and thank them for being good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State.
“At this period, we have no option than to get together and show love to one another.
“The Governor of this state (Udom Emmanuel) has tried. We came here to work with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and we will continue to work. I thank you all for lifting the name of Akwa Ibom State high.
“I have been told that this time we won 14 gold medals. For me, you have tried and it can only get better. And I believe that next year we will have medals in swimming, because we have the Olympic-size swimming pool at the Uyo Township Stadium, thanks to Governor Udom Emmanuel.”
The commissioner then announced a reward package for the athletes; what he termed “Christmas package”, which was duly disbursed.
Gold medalists received 200,000 naira each, silver medalists got 100,000 naira each, while bronze medalists took home 50,000 naira each as cash rewards.
Additionally, all other participants got 10,000 naira each, as all the athletes equally got a bag of rice each, in the spirit of the season.
Responding on behalf of the athletes, Nsidibe Frank thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Monday Ebong Uko for the gesture and continued support, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, Director of Sports, Elder Ifiok Duff, as well as staff of the sports ministry for their commitment towards developing sports in the state.
Team Akwa Ibom won 62 medals in total – comprising of 14 gold, 15 silver and 33 bronze medals to finish tenth at the 21st National Festival in Asaba, Delta State.
