By Femi Atolagbe

Sunday Stephen has won Team Ondo its first medals at the ongoing 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games.

Stephen clinched a silver and a bronze medal in the 61kg men’s weightlifting category at the national fiesta, holding at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking with newsmen after the event, Stephen promised to build on the feat at any given opportunity.

He said he had prepared well for the competition and appreciated his coach for the tutelage that enabled him to get on the medals table.

“My target was to snatch and win a gold medal for my state, but I thank God for the silver and bronze medals. All I need to do is improve on my training and perform better in future competitions.”

The General Manager of the State Sports Council, Mr Sunday Fagite, commended the athlete for his effort in opening the medal haul for the state.

“This is the beginning of a good outing for us. I’m very sure we are going to make the sports-loving people of the state happy.

“Our athletes and their coaches are ready to give their best at this year’s Games.

“Ondo State will continue its hunt for medals in 19 sports, alongside 36 other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with 162 athletes.”