…As Commissioner Laments Restriction Of Athletes
By Eric Moore
Team Rivers have continued to record more victories, especially in track and field events and swimming, as the ongoing 2024 Public Service Games, FEPSGA, continues in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
On Monday, Obia Inyegiyikabo rolled back the years to win women’s 50m backstroke gold in swimming, adding to her victory in 100m freestyle, earlier in the day.
In the Mixed Relay Team Rivers came first at a time of 52:22 seconds beating Nigeria Ports Authority to second as they finished in a time of 55:7s; while Team Federal Inland Revenue Service finished third with a time of 56:62s
Also, in the Women’s 800m Final Team Rivers’ Nwilene Victoria clinched gold with a time of 3:10:45s while NPA’s Dapmwa Yohanna came second with a time of 3:17:59 while Blessing Kolajo of FIRS came third in a time of 3:30:87.
They repeated same feat in the Mens 400m final as Belly Tonye won gold in a time of 51:29s, while Newman Unazi of Federal Ministry of Youths Development clinched silver with a time of 54:44s, and Chukwu Matthew of Ministry of Science and Technology settled for the bronze by finishing at a time of 55:13s.
Team Rivers continued their gold winning streak in the Women’s 4×100 Relay and Men’s 4×100 Relay.
Commenting on Team Rivers’ victory in swimming, the Head of Service of Rivers State, George Nwaeke, who witnessed the event, commended the team, adding that he never expected anything less from them.
“I didn’t expect anything less than that. This is Rivers State. Every part of the state has river. So, every person in the state should know how to swim. So, I’m very happy for them and I commend them.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Chris Green, has expressed displeasure that Team Rivers’ athletes were not allowed to compete fully in all events despite the preparations.
He particularly frowned at the decision whereby athletes were restricted to only three events in swimming, saying it is not practicable anywhere in the world.
“In Rivers State, Team Rivers has been in camp for two months and trainning with very qualified coaches in all the events. And so, when you now come and say you’re limiting for instance swimming, that you’re limiting athletes from competing for not more than three events, it’s not done anywhere in the world.
“You allow them to compete for as many events they can. But, they are now saying that you compete for only three that there are people that can’t really do well so that they can win something to go and show to their directors or whoever is in charge of their parastatals. That’s not sportsmanship.”
He said the organisers were afraid of Rivers State winning all the medals, saying, “The entire contingents for the events are not being allowed to compete. So, I can’t say I’m satisfied.”