Another assertion has been made about the commitment of Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri to sports development and hosting of major competitions across various disciplines in the sector.
Sports247 reports that this lofty declaration was provided by former wrestler, Olympic Games gold medalist for Canada and ex-president of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Honourable Daniel Igali.
Igali, who is now commissioner for sports in Bayelsa State, further pointed out that the capital, Yenagoa, has hosted many national and international competitions because Governor Diri is heading a ‘Prosperity Government’ that is committed to the development of talents.
Igali revealed this while formally receiving kits that officials and competitors will wear during the 2nd Dare National Open Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship, which will officially begin on Thursday in Yenagoa with weight assessment of all competitors and grading, then hit a climax on Sunday.
The kit presentation to Igali was led by the president of Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Nigeria (MMAFN), Ambassador Henry George, following which the commissioner expressed the state’s readiness to host athletes, coaches, journalists, officials and other stakeholders from all across the country.
Igali acknowledged that the competition will further strengthen Bayelsa’s reputation as a destination for major sports events, while also boosting the present government’s status as a leading supporter of youth development in various sporting endeavours across the country.
“The championship represents another addition to the list of national tournaments hosted by the state, reflecting the commitment of the Prosperity Government to sports development and the promotion of sporting excellence,” Igali affirmed during the kit presentation.
In the same vein, Ambassador George disclosed that the competition’s activities will commence with a technical course that was designed to equip coaches and referees with necessary knowledge that aims to ensure they execute effective officiating in compliance with rules and standards of mixed martial arts.
“The championship is expected to provide a platform for athletes to demonstrate their abilities, while also contributing to the growth of mixed martial arts in Nigeria,” George concluded with a strong tone of enthusiasm.
