More Medals Won As NIPOGA 2017 Ends

The game which was tagged “Nasarawa 2017” began on April 29th with contingents coming from 81 polytechnic across the country.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Games, revealed that the games had already surpassed his expectation and those of so many people alike.

He said, “The opening ceremony in particular was indeed a sp

ectacle and I bet Nasarawa 2017 will surely remain in the minds of many for a long time to come.

“We wanted to show NIPOGA from a different perspective.

“Most people did not expect such a sophisticated show from us and I do not want to boast or praise us, but it was a really ground-breaking opening ceremony,’’ he said.

On his part, Coach Benjamin Daniel, the Volleyball Referees’ Coordinator said, “The games have been so wonderfully organised so far and it’s like NIPOGA now has an edge over NUGA in terms of the organisation and facilities for Games.

“Indeed, this is the first of its kind in the history of NIPOGA as it had never involved national graded referees before.

“Before now, any institution chosen as host for the Games usually wants to win at all cost.

So, what they do is to invite unqualified and non-graded referees to officiate and favour the host teams.

“But now I can see that things have changed and I must give kudos to the organisers as they have ensured that there is a neutral and unbiased officiating by inviting graded and international referees for every event.

“So, because of the quality of referees in the Games, there has been fair officiating and both the coaches and players of the various teams are pleased with what they have seen so far,’’ he said.

In the same vein, Sani Ibrahim, the Badminton Coordinator, noted that all the facilities being used for the Games conformed to international standard.

He said that it had gone a long way in guaranteeing the validity and accuracy of performances and protecting the safety of athletes.

Recalls that a whopping sum of N1billion was allocated for the hosting of the 12 games event.

The next NIPOGA is to take place next year and will be hosted by Kwara Poly Offa, Kwara State.