Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, today, Thursday November 14th honored the winners of the 3rd Governor Diri Wrestling Classics with generous cash gifts.
However, the awards ceremony took place following the Governor’s weekly Prosperity Walk at the main bowl of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, marking a significant moment in the state’s growing sports culture.
Gold medalists were awarded N500,000 each, silver medalists received N200,000, while bronze medalists took home N100,000. Additionally, Team Bayelsa, which showcased remarkable team spirit, was rewarded with N2 million, and Dynamic Wrestling Club, which contributed to the success of the event, received N1 million.
Governor Diri further expressed his deep appreciation for the wrestlers, praising their dedication and the pride they have brought to Bayelsa State. He highlighted that the cash rewards were a token of the state’s commitment to supporting athletes across all disciplines, not just football.
“I want to thank you for keeping the flag flying and making the state proud, not bringing down the image of the state," Governor Diri said.
"We will continue to do this to encourage you, to appreciate you so that it will not appear as though we are only appreciating football. Wrestling is part and parcel of us, and we take wrestling as far as football in Bayelsa State.”
Furthermore, the Governor also emphasized the importance of nurturing homegrown talent, announcing plans to expand talent identification efforts throughout the state.
“I have directed the Commissioner for Sports to fish out talents in our local communities. We have some very raw talents in our local government areas, and we need to develop them so that we will continue to take the lead in wrestling across Nigeria and beyond,” he added.
On the other hand, this significant gesture comes as part of Governor Diri’s ongoing efforts to promote sports development in Bayelsa State, encouraging athletes in all fields to excel and showcasing the state’s pride in its homegrown sports culture. Through such initiatives, Governor Diri is not only acknowledging the accomplishments of individual athletes but also reinforcing Bayelsa's position as a major hub for wrestling in Nigeria.5
