Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed of Kwara has advised the athletes who would represent the state at the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos to be disciplined.

The Games, tagged: "Eko 2012" will hold from 27 November to 9 December in Lagos.

Ahmed, represented by Alhaji Isiaka Gold, the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, said this in Ilorin as he bid farewell to the athletes at the Ilorin Township Stadium.

"Discipline and determination should be your slogan if you want to emerge victorious and make Kwara proud," he said.

The governor also advised them to portray good image and follow the rules of the Games and assured the athletes that the state planned good employment for its youths.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports, Alhaja Ramat Adeshina, urged the athletes to be prayerful and be focused to get the desired result.

According to her, 109 athletes and 23 coaches will represent Kwara and described the Games as transformation and high profile event.

"You are our ambassadors and we expect much from you. We will continue to support you with our hearts," she said.

Team Kwara Captain, Yusuf Omotola, promised that they would put in their best to make the people of Kwara proud.

"We believe we can do it but we only need your prayers and support," he said.