Baskadia

The National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, witnessed an inspiring display of talent and determination from Cross River State athletes, thanks in no small part to the generous support of Mr. Lawrence Etta, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

Although Mr. Etta was unable to attend the games in person, he ensured his presence was felt through substantial cash prizes and motivational support for the athletes, Coaches, secretaries and the management team. In a move designed to encourage excellence and reward hard work, The Mr. Etta (SSA), through his representative, Elder Joseph Eworo, announced a financial incentive for the athletes. Each athlete was awarded #4,000 to acknowledge their participation and dedication.

In addition, the following cash prizes were promised: #10,000 for gold medalists, #5,000 for silver medalists, and #2,500 for bronze medalists. This initiative proved to be a powerful motivator, leading Team Cross River to a remarkable performance, securing numerous golds, silver, and bronze medals across various sports.

On September 16, the cash prizes were officially presented to all medalists, as well as the coaching, secretaries and management staff. This gesture was not only a reward for their achievements but also a means to motivate and inspire continued excellence.

Elder Joseph Eworo conveyed Mr. Etta’s message, emphasizing that these prizes were intended to boost the morale of the young athletes and encourage them to strive for further success in the national competitions. The athletes, coaches, and management staff expressed their gratitude for Mr. Etta’s generosity. They acknowledged that the funds provided had significantly boosted their morale and pledged to continue their efforts to secure more medals for Cross River State.

The appreciation was also extended to other key figures, including the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, Mr. Ekanem Ekpenyong, SA Sports Development, the Permanent Secretary, and the Director of Sports Development, for their unwavering support. Overall, the event highlighted the critical role of motivation in achieving sporting excellence and showcased the collaborative effort that drives success in youth sports.