Date: 2012-04-02

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan urged participants at the ongoing West Africa University Games (WAUG) taking place at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, to be worthy ambassadors of their various countries and to eschew the win at all cost syndrome.

The President, who was represented at the event by the Supervising Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that a win at all cost mentality could mar the excitement of participating in such an event.

He advised the athletes to exhibit the highest standards of discipline, play by the rules of the competition and be magnanimous in victory.

"For the officials of the game, no less is expected. They should be seen to be honest, fair and firm and thereby make the games interesting and memorable," he said.

Jonathan identified the objectives of the games as promotion of sports among the universities in the region, establish links between students of all West African countries, strengthen the understanding of the people of ECOWAS through its youth population,and strengthen African unity and peace.

"It is my belief that WAUG will achieve all these and will even build on them to realise the ultimate goal of hhhhhhe founding fathers of the games."

Jonathan explained that the WAUG is more than just performance and celebration of sports, but can be used as a vehicle to achieve peace and tolerance.

"As we continue this WAUG, the youth of West African countries will definitely demonstrate to us how to work and live together in peace and tranquility," he said.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, praised the University of Ilorin for putting in place excellent facilities to host the games.

Rufai also charged the participating students to use the opportunity of the games positively.