The Cross River Sports Commission says the state is targeting no fewer than 70 medals in swimming at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled to be held in Edo.

The chairman, Lawrence Etta, stated this in Calabar on Friday during an interactive session with members of the Sports Writers Association, Cross River chapter.

Etta said Cross River was well-positioned to win swimming medals during the competition, scheduled for February 20 to 27.

He said the UJ Esuene Stadium had an Olympic-size swimming competition pool built to the specifications of the International Swimming Federation.

“With this facility in our state, we should have swimmers who can compete nationally. We should make good use of this pool to train good swimmers,” he said.

The sports commission chairman said that no fewer than 70 swimmers from Cross River were already on ground to undergo screening for the games.

“We shall be thorough in the screening; this is because we are poised to present the best,” he said.

Speaking further, the chairman said Cross River would parade 282 athletes, 16 coaches, and 12 officials at the event.

“We are doing our part to prepare the athletes adequately before the competition,” he said.

Etta said that steps were being taken to introduce programmes that would revive school sports in the state.

He stated that sports development should begin in schools and that youth engagement through sports remains a veritable way to harness youthful energy positively.

(NAN)