The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, has congratulated the Delta State team for emerging overall champions at the finals of the South-South Geopolitical Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition for Primary Schools, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a congratulatory message to the victorious team, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor described the triumph as a proud moment for the entire state and a clear proof that Delta’s investment in its children is yielding results.
“I heartily congratulate our gallant pupils for emerging overall champions at the South-South BESS Competition in Port Harcourt. You have made Delta State proud and shown once again that our children are talented, disciplined and destined for greatness.
“This victory did not come by chance. It is a reflection of the good work Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is doing in basic education and grassroots sports development under the MORE Agenda, and the commitment of teachers, coaches and parents who continue to nurture these children.
“I am particularly proud of the way our pupils conducted themselves with discipline, confidence and excellent sportsmanship. You have shown Nigeria that Delta is not only a home of champions in sports, but also a state that believes in catching them young and giving every child a chance to shine”, Guwor stated.
The Speaker, who is the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, commended the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Mariere, and his team for their leadership, thorough preparation and dedication to grassroots sports development.
“On behalf of the Delta State House of Assembly, I celebrate the pupils, coaches, teachers and parents. The Assembly will continue to support policies, laws and programmes that give our children the opportunity to learn, compete and excel,” Guwor added.
Delta finished in 1st position with a dominant haul of 13 Gold, 9 Silver and 6 Bronze medals, totalling 28 medals, to beat five other South-South states in the keenly contested competition.
Akwa Ibom State placed 2nd with 7 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze medals, while host Rivers State finished 3rd with 3 Gold, 8 Silver and 5 Bronze medals.
Bayelsa State finished 4th with 3 Gold, 6 Silver and 8 Bronze medals, while Edo State placed 5th with 1 Gold, 0 Silver and 4 Bronze medals. Cross River State finished 6th without a medal.
Pupils from the six South-South states competed in 11 games: Scrabble, Ayo, Badminton, Table Tennis, 100 Metres, 200 Metres, 400 Metres, 4 x 100 Metres Relay, High Jump, Long Jump and Football.
The competition, organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, under its programmes, is aimed at reviving grassroots sports, discovering young talents at an early age, and promoting unity and healthy competition among primary school pupils across the South-South region.
The closing ceremony was held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Friday.
