Weightlifter Sunday Stephen has delivered Ondo State’s first medals at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, currently taking place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Stephen competed in the men’s 61kg weightlifting category and secured a silver and a bronze medal, marking the state’s initial breakthrough at the multi-sport event, also known as the Gateway Games 2024.
Speaking after his victory, Stephen expressed mixed feelings about his performance, noting that his aim had been to clinch the gold medal.
“My goal was to win gold for my state, but I thank God for the medals I’ve won,” he said. “This experience has motivated me to train harder and aim even higher next time. I am grateful to my coaches for their support and guidance.”
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The General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mr Sunday Fagite, praised the athlete for his achievement, describing the medals as a significant morale boost for the entire contingent.
In a show of support, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, visited the athletes’ camp at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, where he encouraged Team Ondo to strive to surpass the state’s best-ever finish of fourth place at the festival.
He urged the athletes to remain determined, embrace discipline, and compete with integrity, challenging them to compete favourably with traditionally dominant teams such as Delta and the host state, Ogun.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, which commenced on 16 May, will run until 30 May, featuring events in athletics, swimming, basketball, wrestling, and several other disciplines. The festival brings together athletes from across the country in a celebration of sporting excellence and unity.
