Governor Douye Diri has called on the organised private sector and captains of Industry to invest and support the development of Sports in Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri made the call at the closing ceremony of the Baraza Champion of Champions Wrestling Competition held at the Dynamic Wrestling Theatre in Yenagoa.
He urged the multinational oil Companies to partner Government by sponsoring Sporting events in order to positively engage the youths.
The Governor appreciated the efforts President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon. Daniel Igali for his relentless efforts in repositioning Wrestling in the country.
He also commended Igali who is also the Commissioner for Sport Development, charging him to revive Sports in the State and make Bayelsa among the top three States in the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Benin City, Edo State.
Governor Diri also gave thumbs up to the wrestlers for their performances at the Champion of Champions competition, expressing the hope that they would take advantage of the tournament to win medals for Nigeria during the Africa Wrestling Championships and the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Recalling his days as Commissioner for Sport, he described Bayelsa as home of Wrestling in the country, announcing a donation of two million Naira to support the competition
Earlier, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Commissioner for Sport Development, Daniel Igali said wrestling has high hopes of winning medals for Nigeria at the Olympics having earned medals at the world championship.
He stated that the Champion of Champions tournament is aimed at preparing the wrestlers for bigger competitions.
Igali thanked the Bayelsa State Government and other sponsors for always supporting the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
He particularly appreciated the Governor for his support to the Federation and to him as Commissioner for Sport in the State.
Igali told the Governor that an 18 room Accommodation facility has been built to accommodate wrestlers during major competitions.
