As preparation for the 2024 National Youths Games is scheduled to take place in Asaba, Delta State, for the second time, the Lagos under-15 teams are preparing for the Zonal Elimination Ball Games in Oshogbo, Osun State.
The camps of the state athletes have been a mammoth of activities as they are gearing up for the 8th National Youth Games, designed for discovery of talents, development and giving require platform to showcase their sporting prowess.
Speaking at the screening venue, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu said the State wants to bring out the best and select them according to the rules and principles of the organizers of the National Youth Games particularly the Zonal Eliminations Ball Games.
Fatodu emphasized that the essence of the screening is to show transparency and probity in the conduct of our affairs and to demonstrate that we have young athletes of the deserving age contesting for the Zonal Eliminations Ball Games.
“Our selection process is the demonstration of excellence that we are always leading in Nigeria. We are very sure that our young athletes are not just going to come out with flying colours in Oshogbo but will win gold for Lagos,” he said.
The training of the athletes have been intensified, trials were conducted as they are rounding off their opening camp to showcase what they have been put into practice at the competitive qualifiers in Oshogbo, from 29th August to 1st September, 2024.
Football, Handball, Basketball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Rugby, Abula, Cricket and Hockey are the sanctioned sports that Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Ondo states will be jostling for qualification to represent the region at the National Games in Asaba.
As one of the states in the South Western region, the Lagos contingent comprising 188 athletes (male and female) will be competing for nine slots when the qualifying series begins in the Oshogbo township stadium.
Lagos athletes are not leaving any stone unturned while honing their skills, pushing their limits, and perfecting their craft.
From the football players to the handballers, each athlete was a testament to Lagos State’s rich sporting talent.
Lagos, with its track record in the investment of bolts-and-nuts of sports infrastructure and talent development, gives youths the opportunity, particularly at the school level, to represent the state at the national stage remains unwavering It also exemplifies the significant role of the state government led by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu taking the youths off the streets through the instrumentality of sports and other ancillaries.
