GOV DICKSON VISITS WRESTLERS IN GLASGOW; PLEDGES HANDSOME REWARD FOR GOLD MEDALISTS

Gold medal winning members of the Nigerian wrestling team to the ongoing Glasgow Commonwealth Games have been promised handsome rewards by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State.

The Governor, who made the pledge when he visited the wrestlers at their games village camp in Glasgow, Scotland, reassured them of the total support of the government and people of Bayelsa State, most of whom are predominantly wrestlers and staunch followers of the sport.

“Just do your best and make our state and country proud and we shall reward you handsomely. As a state and as a people, we have always believed your abilities to make us proud and I know, you will not disappoint us this time around. I will be waiting to receive all of you back home”

Hon. Dickson recalled the achievements of the Country’s wrestlers at previous international events, including the last games in New Delhi, India and urged them to ensure that, they surpassed their previous outings at the games.

The Bayelsa State Governor noted that, his visit was in fulfillment of his promise to attend the games to cheer and encourage the wrestlers to bring glory to Nigeria and Bayelsa, which produced 9 of Nigeria’s 14 - member wrestling team.

The Governor, who exchanged pleasantries with the wrestlers and their officials, expressed satisfaction with the confidence and level of preparedness of the wrestlers, adding that, with their wealth of experience, they were all capable of making the country proud at the games.

Responding on behalf of the wrestling contingent, the President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation and Chairman, Technical Committee of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Hon. Daniel Igali described the visit as a big morale booster and assured him that, they will do their best to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Corroborating the Governor’s earlier remarks on the chances of the wrestlers, Hon. Igali stated that, they all put up promising showings in their build up to the games, stressing that, the wrestlers are ready to give the nation and the state a befitting representation.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye commended the Governor for his personal interest in the wrestlers and expressed the gratitude of the sports commission to the government and people of Bayelsa State.

The Bayelsa State Governor, also used his visit to the United Kingdom to attend the Commonwealth Business Council meeting.

It will be recalled that, the Governor had promised to visit the wrestlers in Glasgow, Scotland to encourage them and boost their morale, when they paid him a courtesy call prior to their departure for the games at the Bayelsa House in Abuja, about 2 weeks ago.