The Edo State Government has listed a number of guidelines that will be followed for the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival scheduled to take place in Benin City from April 2 to 14, 2021.
A statement signed by Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, noted that the Main Organising Committee, MOC, has decided that all athletes and officials from the 35 states and the FCT, participating in the Sports Festival must take COVID-19 tests 72 hours before arrival for the games.
The athletes and officials are to take Covid-19 vaccine at least 12 days before arrival for the festival and the Games Village is to open on April 2.
Participants including officials are to present certificates and documentation of Covid-19 tests and vaccination before they can be admitted into the Games Villages in the state.
The statement also revealed that the National Sports Festival Torch of Unity will arrive Edo State on April 3 to tour the 18 local government areas. It will be received at the main bowl of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on April 6 by Governor Godwin Obaseki who will lite it up.
Officials of the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, will arrive Benin City at least 4 days to the commencement of the festival, to monitor compliance with Covid-19 safety guidelines.
All non-pharmaceutical measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 will be provided for by the State Government at the various venues and camps.
Attendance at the games will be strictly regulated and members of the general public are advised to follow the activities across media platforms, including the social media, as they will be streamed live.
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The State Government and the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development have agreed that the Nigerian contingent for the Tokyo Olympics will be camped in the State for preparation ahead of the games. This is to take advantage of the world-class equipment and facilities in the State
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
