Sports Minister Charges State Government To Invest In Sports Infrastructure.

Sports Minister Charges State Government To Invest In Sports Infrastructure. By Hananeel Jackson The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has stressed need for state government across the country to invest in sports infrastructure to fast track the development of sports. The Minister made the call during a courtesy visit to the Bayelsa State governor at the government house in Yenagoa. Dare noted that development of sports was incomplete without what he termed the "Three Is"(3Is), infrastructure, Incentives and Investment, saying that the ministry has in the last twenty months devoted time for an industry where talents could be harnessed. He explained that in developed nations, sports has moved beyond mere recreation to lucrative business, stressing that the Ministry would soon unveil a Sports Industry Policy to make Sports more business oriented. The Minister commended the Bayelsa State government for the ongoing construction of a state of the art wrestling gym for wrestlers at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. He also expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the Sports Academy at Asoama by the Bayelsa State Government. In a response, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri represented by the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo said the government was committed in investing in areas of comparative advantage such as Wrestling, Swimming and combat sports following Team Bayelsa's performance in the 20th National Sports Festival in Benin City,Edo State. The Governor while thanking the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for picking Bayelsa as National camp for Nigerian Wrestlers, urged the federal government to set up a sports university in the state. He advised athletes in the State to distance themselves from drug usage even as they aim higher in their career, stating that any athlete found wanting would face full wrath of law. He asserted that the Bayelsa State government was open to partner the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in hosting national sports events and programs in the state.