BY AGBONAVBARE UYIOSA
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and Practagali Partners, organisers of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BAT SWAG), have announced that the inaugural edition of the games will be hosted in Lagos.
BATSWAG, a unifying sports initiative led by Practagali Partners, is designed to discover emerging under-18 athletes from across the Southwest region., encourage mass participation in sports, and provide opportunities for talented athletes to showcase their skills and build a career in sports.
Scheduled for March 2025, the highly anticipated competition will bring together promising young talents from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, to compete in various sporting disciplines, including Athletics (Track & Field), Basketball, Boxing, Football, Table Tennis, Traditional African games, Ayo-Olopon and Abula.
BATSWAG aims to promote youth development, stimulate sports participation, and encourage inclusivity through adaptive sports. The event will showcase the immense sporting potential within the Southwestern region while creating opportunities for budding athletes to shine on a regional stage.
Speaking on the upcoming tournament, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, expressed enthusiasm about Lagos being identified as the state where the event will be hosted.
“Hosting the inaugural edition of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games in Lagos is an honour, and it speaks volumes about the support and commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sports over the years, which has laid the foundation and created many opportunities and resources for Lagos to be the ideal location for any great sporting events.The future of sports in the South-West region is bright, and the BAT SWAG Games will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for young athletes aiming for national and international success.”
Ms. Funmilola Adedipe, Managing Director of Practagali Partners, highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting that it aims to promote positive engagement among youth and rescue them from the grip of social vices prevalent in society.
According to her, “the BAT SWAG Games will not only nurture talent but also serve as a vital tool for social reformation, using sports as a vehicle for development, empowerment, and hope.”
Adedipe also highlighted the significance of Practagali Partners’ collaboration with the Lagos State Government, noting that the partnership will create sustainable opportunities for youth and further the cause of grassroots sports development across the region.
“This partnership with Lagos as the host state will bolster efforts to engage youth meaningfully, and we look forward to discovering new talents that can potentially represent Nigeria on the global stage,” Adedipe added.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games is expected to be a remarkable event, showcasing the wealth of talent within the region. The competition will draw in large crowds, enhance community spirit, and create a legacy of sports participation that will impact future generations.
By being chosen as the host state, Lagos further solidifies its reputation as a hub for sports development and excellence.
