The Ogun State government on Tuesday rewarded athletes who made the podium at the 2024 National Youth Games (NYG), held in Asaba, Delta State, Afrosport reports.
At the event held at the MKO Abiola stadium, Abeokuta, the commissioner for sports development in the state, Wasiu Isiaka made it known that the gesture was one of the several ways of showing commitment and keen interest in the development of sports by the governor Dapo Abiodun.
He said: “This is one of the many ways we aim to support our athletes at this stage.
“This government, under the leadership of our dear governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, the reward for hard work and outstanding performances across all sector including sports, is now being institutionalised as our athletes are now being encouraged and motivated before and after events.”
He added that the governor has assured that cash rewards and other incentives for stand out sports men and women, has now become a norm in the Gateway state.
Athletes who won gold at the National Youth Games were rewarded with ₦300,000, silver medalists got ₦200,000 each, while the bronze medalists were presented with ₦100,000 each.
Heritage Ayomide who emerged as the best wrestler at the Games, and Atinuke Onabiyi who broke the record in the 10 metre rifle event, were also specially rewarded.
Ogun State finished sixth overall at the event with 37 medals consisting 11 Gold, 11 silver and 15 bronze medals.
