Team Lagos at the last NYG in Ilorin, Kwara state
Team Lagos comprising 142 athletes and 12 coaches will take part in the zonal eliminations in Ibadan, Oyo State ahead of the 5th National Youth Games (Under-15) which holds in Ilorin Kwara State in September.
The Lagos state contingent arrived the ancient city of Ibadan early on Friday in readiness for the champions which runs through this weekend. The contest is involving the South West states; Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo. Team Lagos for slots in team events such as Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey and Volleyball.
Team Lagos however will take part in six team sports, namely Football (male and female), Basketball (male and female), Handball (male and female), Hockey (male and female), Cricket (male and female), Volleyball (male and female).
The athletes who are in high spirits in readiness for the zonal eliminations have been assured of adequate support by the management of the Lagos State Sports Commission. Team Lagos had a good debut outing at the 2018 edition of the NYG with an overall second position.
Interestingly, Lagos State won medals in virtually all sports the athletes participated in.
The team are expected to undergo screening at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan before the commencement of the zonal elimination.
While addressing the Lagos State Contingent to the Zonal Qualifiers, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh urged the athletes to do the state proud by qualifying in all the team sports to be competing for.
He charged them to be good ambassadors of the state both on and off the field of play.
Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Tandoh (left) addressing the athletes on the eve of their departure to Ibadan
“Some of you represented Lagos at the last at the Youth Games. We are going to Ibadan and we expect the best from you. We also want you to be disciplined. You all know what the state is known for; Center of Excellence. All of you must display that excellence not just on the pitch but even in your hostels and accommodations. Let everyone see you and say those athletes from Lagos are well behaved, very disciplined, well brought up children and talented athletes. It is an honour to represent the state and we will be there to support you”.
The Chairman assured the team of the support of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who has provided everything that is required for the athletes to excel while urging them to bring back glory to the state.
“I want to extend the best wishes of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to each and everyone of you. He wishes you the best and he is supporting the team fully, so you have to put in your best. By the grace of God, all of you will qualifier for main games in Ilorin and we will go there and triumph,” Tandoh said.
The DG, Toyin Gafar was also with the athletes before their departure.
Also addressing the athletes, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar charged the contingent to be of good behavior on the field of play, adding that everybody from coaches, athletes and officials should work together in Ibadan for the success of Team Lagos.
“Since you are all ready having been training all this while, you will be our ambassadors and I hope none of you is in possession of any drugs and those stuffs. We taken our time to look after you and pick you but more importantly you are going to represent us and gradually as you grow, you are going to represent the country in the future. I just want to encourage you to put in your best and be champions so that at the end of the day, you will be celebrated and we will be proud of you and by the special grace of God, you will be proud of us too” Gafar said.
The 5th National Youth Games, which is billed for Ilorin, Kwara State, will hold from September 7th to 17th at the University of Ilorin.
At the last edition, Team Lagos placed second overall with 60 medals; 23 gold, 15 silver and 22 bronze.
Abimbola Disu won four gold Medals for Team Lagos at the 2018 National Youth Games in Ilorin.
