Diri commends, rewards victorious female handball team

Pledges sponsorship of foreign championship trip

BAYELSA State Governor, Douye Diri, has received the state’s Under- 18 female handball team after emerging champions at a recent national tournament in Lagos.

Governor Diri, who addressed the team at Government House, Yenagoa, announced a cash reward of N3.5m for making the state proud, describing the team’s triumph as a miracle due to the odds against it and commended their determination to return home with the trophy.

His Chief Press Secretary ( CPS), Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that the road to success was not always rosy, as it took sacrifice and hard work to overcome all obstacles.

Diri, who was full of praises for the athletes, expressed appreciation on behalf of the government and people of the state for making the state proud.

His words: “I am aware that you struggled on your own, having faith in God to deliver the cup to Bayelsa State. “Thank you for your star performance and for believing in what we have been preaching. You are good examples of good students, who listened to their teachers and had faith to become what you want to be in life.

“You represented us well in Lagos in spite of the financial challenges and inadequacies you experienced. You determined that this cup must return to Bayelsa. That is the way to success, which is always rough, narrow and winding. To get access to roses, one must experience thorns.”

Diri charged them to brace up for the challenge ahead, as they prepare to represent the country in a championship abroad, adding that the state government would sponsor their preparations and trip to the tournament, as well as a handsome reward if they emerge victorious.