Rivers State Sets Up National Sports Festival Committee, Promises Focus On Athletes’ Welfare
Rivers State has opted against engaging external consultants for its participation in the National Sports Festival, insisting that athletes’ welfare and proper preparation will take priority.
The state has established a Participation Committee to oversee its preparations and management of its contingent, with officials from the Ministry of Sports and the Rivers State Sports Council assigned key responsibilities.
The committee will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, with Professor Ken Anugweje as Co-Chairman. The Director of the Rivers State Sports Council will serve as Team Coordinator, while the Head of Department for Coaching will oversee technical matters.
The secretariat will comprise the Secretary of the Rivers State Sports Council and the Festival Secretary, who will handle day-to-day coordination, documentation and communication.
The decision to keep the organisation within the state’s sports institutions, rather than bring in external consultants, is intended to ensure that planning remains in the hands of officials familiar with the athletes, coaches and sports administration system.
It is also aimed at directing resources towards the contingent’s preparation and competition needs.
Athletes’ welfare has been identified as a major priority, with the committee expected to ensure adequate camping, feeding, medical support, kits, transportation and allowances.
The coaching department will coordinate technical preparation, including athlete selection, training programmes and readiness across the various sports, while the Team Coordinator will oversee the contingent’s movement and discipline.
With the committee now in place, Rivers State says it is preparing to compete at the Festival with its own sports professionals overseeing the team and its athletes’ welfare.
