By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Ondo State contingent for the 22nd National Sports Festival are currently in a closed-camping at the Ondo State Sports Complex to finalise their preparations for the games, which will be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, The PUNCH reports.
Tagged Gateway Games 2024, the festival will be held from May 16 to 30 in the state capital and other venues across the state.
Team Ondo began the last phase of their preparations during the weekend in Akure, as they prepare to compete in 19 events with about 162 athletes.
General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Sunday Fagite, says the state’s preparations have been up to par, ahead of their departure later this week.
Punch Sports Extra reports that the Ondo State contingent will also be aiming to build on their recent outing at the recently-held Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State where they finished fifth with a total of 43 medals.
“By the grace of God, the target is to do better than we have done in previous editions,” Fagite told our correspondent.
“Also, we just took part in the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival, and that will serve as perfect preparation for the National Sports Festival. The Niger Delta Sports Festival was equally a big event, and our athletes will be able to bank on their experiences from there.
“Our coaches and athletes are on the field, preparing aggressively for the games.
“With the support of my management, I have no doubt in my mind that we will end the national event on a good note, because we are endowed with raw talent in Ondo and have capable coaches.”
Ondo State finished 13th at the last edition of the games, which was rocked by medals padding.