By Jude Opara, Abuja
THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF), have assured that it will continue to produce quality sports men and women who will represent and win laurels for the country in international championships.

Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase gave this assurance over the weekend in Abuja while declaring closed the 11th biennial Police Games which took place at the National Stadium.

Arase noted that his officers and men have been in the forefront of developing sports in the country by producing elite athletes that can match their counterparts from anywhere in the world.

While congratulating the entire NPF for a successful championship, the IGP said every effort must be sustained to keep the sporting tradition of the officers and men of the Force.

“The successful hosting of the event is a clear testimony to the determination of the leadership of the Force to sustain the sporting tradition of the NPF. It is also reflective of our commitment to encourage officers of the Force to explore the virtues of physical and mental alertness. We are also convinced that the event has thrown up new sporting talents with the potentials of making an impact at the international stage.”

Also in his goodwill message, the governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson who was the Special Guest f Honour said such events like the Police Games are important so as to make the officers and men able to respond to their responsibilities of keeping the  nation at peace all the time.

He also called for more support for the NPF to further improve on the Games because elite athletes who have won medals for Nigeria were discovered from the Games.

Zone 2 Command were the overall winners with 96 gold, 77 silver and 58 bronze medals while the Force Headquarters (FHQ) placed second with 70 gold, 41 silver and 48 bronze medals. The third position went to Zone 11 who recorded 56 gold, 44 silver and 69 bronze medals.

However, the high point of the day was the tug of war contest between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy in the Invitational Events. After a keenly contested effort, the Army won 2-0.