As the 2013 edition of the National Schools Sports Championship kicks off in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has charged the state's contingent to bring back the trophy which they won in the past two editions of the game.

Imoke, who gave the charge during a farewell meeting with the athletes in Calabar, said: "As you go to Ilorin, you go with the flag of Cross River State and with the blessings of the Almighty God. You must win the competition and come back with more laurels because we want to keep the trophy permanently here in the state.

"I want you to show Nigeria and the world that you are champions.  Show the world that these young men and women, boys and girls from Cross River State are the future of Nigeria's sports and athletics."

Imoke, who presented what  he called Governor's Pocket Money of N5,000 each to the 254 sports boys and girls as morale booster maintained that, "You are wonderful children, not only that you are wonderful athletes, you are making Cross River State  very proud, in a manner that we the elders are admiring you".

He pointed out that the children are celebrated because they do not only win their games but are well behaved, discipline and all in schools to prepare themselves for the future, stressing that most of them as they finish in the national arena," we want to see you securing International Scholarships to become World beaters in athletics".

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, who presented Team Cross River to the governor, averred that the 300 man delegation comprises 253 sports boys and girls and 47 officials.

In her appreciation, captain of Team Cross River, Miss Koyona Obeten, thanked Imoke for boosting their morale before the event, saying that the team will put in its best in Illorin to make the state proud.

She lauded the governor for his sports development initiative which has provided them a common platform to showcase their God's given talent