Edo 2020: No decision yet on sports festival, says ministry

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has revealed that a final decision on the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival has not been taken.

According to the statement signed by the ministry’s assistant director (Press), Ramon Balogun, the ministry also refuted reports that the sports festival has been postponed indefinitely.

• Djokovic Regrets US Open, Roland Garros Failure
• Bottas Edges Hamilton In Final Practice For Portuguese GP

It will be recalled that the minister, Sunday Dare had said the festival is ‘almost certain’ to hold this year after the federal government lifted the ban on contact sports.

The statement clarified that consultations were ongoing between the Ministry, the Edo State Government, the PTF on COVD-19, and the National Council on Sports to decide on a new date to host the Festival.

“Like we did by consulting with the PTF on Covid-19 when we lifted the ban on non – contact sports and contact sports, discussions are ongoing to decide on a new date for the Festival. The fake news that the Festival has been postponed indefinitely must have emanated from a false source.

“We are considering a staggered Festival spanning several weeks and Athletes batched, no fans and strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocol. While we are committed to holding the Festival, we do not want to endanger the lives of athletes and officials.

“Be rest assured that a decision would be taken in line with the Government’s guidelines in the best interest of the common good of our sports and the athletes,” the statement said.

The  National  Sports Festival,  which was  earlier  scheduled to hold in March  in Benin City, Edo State was postponed  due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.