Pictures: Glitz, glamour as Sunday Dare wins Blueprint’s Sport Icon of the Year Award

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday became the first ever to win the Sport Icon of the Year by Blueprint Newspapers.

The Blueprint Awards and Public Lecture brought together the Créme de la créme of the Nigerian society, as the Minister was honoured for his outstanding leadership at the auspicious gathering.

The event which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja had Sunday Dare amongst those who got meritorious recognition and award.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development was scored high in the gathering with executive governors of states, Ministers and other top dignitaries present.

Speaking on his award, Sunday Dare said, “I am pleased to be counted worthy to be awarded the Blueprint Sports Icon of the Year. It is an indication that somewhere, somehow, people recognize the hard work myself and my team put in on a daily basis.

“This award would only spur me to do more, because a proverbial saying postulates that the reward for hardwork is more work. I have picked up numerous awards, with the help of God and of course, hardwork but i see the beauty in this, in that we are still basking in the euphoria of our remarkable achievements at the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where the country posted its best ever performance. We would continually work hard relentlessly, until we reach enviable heights.”

Minister had during 2020 Olympic Games galvanised team Nigeria to win two individual medals, a feat that eluded in over years of participation.

Only few days ago under his tutelage, the workaholic Minister blazed the trail when he led team Nigeria to record the best performance ever at the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Nigeria won 12 gold medals, being the highest ever for the Africa’s most nation that finished as number one among other countries from the continent.