By IYKE NWOKEDI
Team Anambra for the upcoming 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) on Sunday began closed camping at four selected venues across the state.
Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), Tony Oli, told sportswriters in Awka that athletes for the forthcoming Nigeria's biggest sports showpiece would be camped at Archbishop Obiefuna Pastoral and Retreat Centre Awka, while another batch will be camped at Rojenny Stadium Oba, Nnewi Sports Club, Nnewi and Otuocha Township Stadium, Otuocha.
Oli stated that a total of 313-member contingent made up of 263 athletes and 50 officials will be in camp for a period of 17 days before departure to Edo State on December 3rd, 2020 for the games proper. The sports adminarrator opined that 'Team Anambra' is poised to equal and surpass its previous record during the 19th Edition held in Abuja where the Team won a total of 29 medals; 5 gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze; finishing 16th on the overall medals table.
Oli posited that the state government has provided all the needed support both in finance, logistics and indemnities in ensuring that the contingent put in their very best as worthy ambassadors of the state at the festival. He called on the athletes and officials to remain focused and committed to the task ahead as all hands must be on deck in ensuring that the Team return victorious at the end of the sports extravaganza.
The 20th edition of the National Sports Festival will hold in Benin, Edo State capital from 3rd to 18th December 2020.