The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has reiterated that the state will continue to leverage on developmental programmes and other initiatives to further churn out rising stars that will take up the global stage.
He made the statement while speaking to journalists as the state prepares for the 8th edition of National Youths Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Lagos will be represented in 34 sports with 270 athletes as the national developmental Games commenced from 9th to 19 September,2024.
Fatodu disclosed that the state is planting the seeds for the future talents and creating an atmosphere to breeds and nurtures budding stars through required mentorship, training and incentives to let them understand that, it’s a pride to represent Lagos and an opportunity to showcase their sporting skills.
He commended the Lagos State Government under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ensuring that payment, welfare and plans for athletes are actually coming at the right time, adding that the state is developing sports infrastructure across the various communities for the purpose of getting access to stadia.
Speaking on the athletes age discrepancies, Lekan Fatodu, opined that it has been transparent and fruitful in ensuring that the state parades athletes within the required age in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding the National Yourh Games. “It’s going to be unfair on our own side while we are presenting the right number of people according to their age and other people are trying to short change the system or trying to cheat by presenting over aged athletes.
“It’s part of the conversation we want to bring to the front burner at the highest level of authority,so that efforts can be made to eliminate the menace in the sports ecosystem”.
“In Lagos, we are so proud, that during our zonal elimination, camping, training, and selection are the strictest in the country and is a template that should be emulated by others”.
