The State Government has pledged adequate reward for any state athlete who wins a Gold medal in the upcoming National Sports Festival tagged “Garden City Games” in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.  The Acting Governor, Mr. Nsima Ekere gave the assurance yesterday at Uyo sports stadium while receiving the National Sports Festival Unity Torch from the planning committee of the festival.

The Unity Torch which was displayed by President Goodluck Jonathan on the 10th of May, 2011, according to the Acting Governor has traversed 24 states and the Federal Capital before getting to Akwa Ibom. Mr. Ekere described sport as the most potent means of promoting national and international peace and unity. “With sincere humility and all sense of responsibility; I receive on behalf of the government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, the 17th National Sports Festival Torch of Unity. Our acceptance of this Torch today, indicates our unalloyed commitment to the peace and unity of the Nigerian State and our irrevocable acceptance to participate in the competition”, he added.

The Deputy Governor commended the Director General, National Sports Commission, the State Ministry of Youth and Sport, members of the organizing committee and the state contingents for contributing to a successful flagging off of the Torch of Unity Movement. He assured the state contingents of a warm reception when they return with medals from the competition and urged them to count on the support of the state government.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs. Roseline Ekwerre, who collected and handed the Torch to the Acting Governor from the Zonal Sports Coordinator, said the state was fully prepared for the national sports fiesta. She thanked Governor Godswill Akpabio for his commitment to sports development and for facilitating the preparations and participation of the state contingents.

The Acting Governor in company of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt(Hon) Sam Ikon, Head of Civil Service, Dame Grace Anwana, sports officials and contingents jogged round the stadium with the Unity Torch before handing it over for its final movement to Abia State.

Akwa Ibom State will be competing in 22 events including football for both men and women. The state won 5 Gold, 10 Silver and 11 Bronze medals at the last National Sports Festival hosted by Kaduna State.