Team Imo contingent to the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival tagged Gateway 2024 departed the state on Saturday afternoon promising to make the best of the situation despite some hiccups experienced in their build up to the biennial competition.
In spite of anxieties over Team Imo’s participation at the National Sports Festival, the team got the nod after the cheering news of approval of funds for the competition from the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
The contingent is in high spirits to do the state proud amidst the challenges.
The Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, who represented the Imo State Governor in a short speech before departure tasked the state athletes to win clean and ensure they justify their inclusion in the competition.
He said they should see some of the challenges experienced in the preparations as stepping stones to excel at Gateway 2024 .
The Commissioner also assures the contingent that their entitlements would not be denied them.
Imo state will participate in 33 sporting events with 318 athletes accompanied by 118 officials.
The state representatives will strive to surpass the 12 gold medals won in Asaba, Delta State in the last National Sports Festival.
Team Imo will take part in Swimming, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, Darts, Hockey, Athletics, Judo, Chess, Scrabble, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Abula, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Basketball among others.
