The 7the edition of the National Youth Games which started on September 20 has been declared closed on Saturday amid pomp and pageantry.
Delta, the host State, retained the title after winning 51 gold, 34 silver and 31 bronze medals all totalling 116 medals. The state has won all the previous edition of the Games except for the inaugural edition which was won by Cross River in 2013.
Lagos came second with 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze medals while Edo state settled for the third position with 21 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze medals. Bayelsa clinched fourth position with 20 gold, seven silver and 16 bronze medals.
Kwara State put in heartwarming performance to record history making performance with 13 gold, 14 silver and nine bronze medals to finish in the fifth position. The state finished sixth at the last edition of the Games.
Speaking at the colourful closing ceremony which was held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh said the Games has realised its objectives as talents have been discovered and represented the country at international level.
The Games, he noted ,did not only provide a platform for the Youth to showcase their talents but avails them to interact and foster friendship with their colleagues across the country.
He said the Federal government is committed to grassroot Sports development as it cares for the future of Youth.
The Minister commended the Delta state government for providing facilities and its efforts in hosting a successful Games.
He commended the athletes, the officials, stakeholders and the states governments for funding their contingents to the Games.
While congratulating the winning state, he appreciated other states Athletics for their efforts.
Delta State is expected to host the next edition of the games in view of the Memorandum of understanding they signed with the Ministry of Youths and Sports development of to host four (4) Editions of the covering the period, 2023 to 2026.