Sports
Alamieyeseigha Responsible For Bayelsa’s Strides In Sports –BSRC GM
The General Manager of Bayelsa State Radio Corporation, Clinton Thompson has attributed the state’s success story in the sports sector to the Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor of the state.
Thompson, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt and acknowledged that it was Governor Alamieyeseigha who gave sports in Bayelsa financial back-up during his tenure.
The General Manager said that the financial boost which served as a foundation has resulted to the many achievements and successes of the state in the sector which should be used to re-brand the state.
He continued that Bayelsa State has recorded serious achievement in sports that should be heard by others, adding that “Bayelsa State achievements in sports should be used as the key thrust for re-branding campaign.
According to him, “Bayelsa is being rated high by the National Sport Commission and has maintained 4th position on the national sports festival medal table.
“Let us use sports to re-brand Bayelsa because we have recorded serious achievements in the sector. We are also rated high by the National Sport Commission.
He noted that Bayelsa has maintained two football clubs, Bayelsa United who are premier league champions and Ocean Boys, who are also doing well, stating that persons like Samson Siasia, Natali and Carta are great sons of Bayelsa State.
On the forth coming 17th National Sports Festival, he said that “Bayelsa is not contesting with Rivers State (our sister state) but I wonder if Rivers State can beat our record in the next sports festival.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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