By Gbenga Sodeinde
Ekiti State has set a new record at the ongoing sixth edition of the National youth game with 2 gold, 11 silver and 2 bronze medals across all games .
In tennis, Esther Oni won a gold medal at the female single and also won her second gold medal alongside Success Ogunjobi at the female double.
Similarly, Oluwaseun Ogunsakin won two silver medals, one each in the single and mix double with Esther Oni.
A bronze medal was won by Oluwaseun Ogunsakin and his sibling Oluwaseyi in the boys doubles.
In Para Athletic, Juwon Ogunyemi won a silver medal in 100. boys and Ahmed Bamidele won another silver in the 100m and 200m boys.
Ekiti state Cricket team was not left out of the medal haul as the cricketers won silver in the under 15 ODI and also won a bronze medal in their T20 game .
Three silver medals were won by Kehinde Olatoyinbo in weightlifting game as the team .
There are still high hopes of winning more medals at the National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara state as Ekiti will still be participating in the finals for 200m girls, 4 by 100m girls and boys as well as 4 by 400m boys and girls.
Chess and scrabble representatives from Ekiti state finished 7th out of 22 participants.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti state athletes have assured the state government of impressive performances in future national sporting competitions if adequate funds are provided for them to train and participate .
Speaking on behalf of other athletes, a gold medalist, Esther Oni said the state youth team has surpased the expectations of other states despite the meagre funds available .
Reacting, the General Manager, Ekiti Sport Council, Mr Adekunle Adeyemi who addressied the athletes and officials on Monday, expressed gratitude to God for the brilliant performances of the young Ekiti athletes in his first official outing as the General Manager.
He also applauded the coaches for their commitment with a call on them not to relent at keeping the flag flying
He described it as the first of its kind in the history of Ekiti at the youth competition over the years.
Mr Adekunle said the state government was doing its best by touching the lives of every Ekiti person including sports with an assurance that the state government will always prioritize their welfare .
