Dreams of Taraba State taking part in the zonal elimination of the National Youth Games, billed to kick off tomorrow in Gombe State, hang in the balance following an alleged delay in the release of funds by the state government.<\/p>\n
Athletes and officials, who have been in camp at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, expressed dismay over what they described as the government\u2019s lukewarm attitude toward sports development.<\/p>\n
The contingent, expected to have departed for Gombe ahead of the competition, remained stranded in the state capital as of press time.<\/p>\n
While other states have already arrived at the venue, Taraba\u2019s team is yet to set out \u2014 a situation the athletes fear could derail their chances. They recalled that a similar late departure to the recent National Sports Festival in Ogun State contributed to the state\u2019s poor medal haul.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are fully prepared and confident we can win medals if given the chance,\u201d one athlete told DAILY POST, urging Governor Agbu Kefas to urgently release the required funds.<\/p>\n
Sports council officials said a formal request for funds was submitted to the government through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Government House, but progress appeared stalled.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event begins tomorrow, and we are still here,\u201d one official lamented.<\/p>\n
Another official suggested that the governor, known for his support for youth and sports, might be unaware of the matter, blaming possible bureaucratic bottlenecks.<\/p>\n
A senior government source, who confided in our reporter, confirmed the request had yet to reach the governor\u2019s desk as of the time of filing this report.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n