Sports
Royal Hoopers’ Camp Classic Records Impressive Turnout
The 2009 edition of the Royal Hoopers Basketball, Camp and Classic, which kicked off in Port Harcourt on Wednesday at the Sports Complex of the Nigerian Police Force Old G.R.A. was a rendezvous for sports personalities and athletes in the state.
The basketball classic which is the third edition was colourful in content and character as the basketball courts were given face lift to add colour and aesthetic to the exercise.
NBA legends and coaches from the United States of America were part of the ceremony.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Bala Hassan who declared the event open described the Royal Hoopers Basketball classic as a welcome development towards the promotion of sports in the state, adding that the event will impact the participants and Rivers society positively as the youths can now engage their minds in sporting ventures rather than embarking on criminal activities as a result of idleness.
The Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Boma Iyaye, who was among the dignitaries that graced the occasion, while making his speech commended the President and organisers of the Royal Hoopers classic for a wonderful job the outfit has been doing in the state and beyond.
The commissioner said that the state government would partner with the Royal Hoopers outfit towards ensuring that the organisation enjoys adequate support from the government, and that the state was considering a proposal to take over the promotion sponsorship and management of the Royal Hoopers Basketball team.
In the same vein, the President of Royal Hoopers Academy, Mr. Syndoph Endoni who also doubles as one of the sponsors of the event left no stone unturned in embracing the idea of the Rivers State government proposed take over plan of the Basketball Academy.
In his words: “It is a collaboration thing, and it is going to be capital intensive, so the state government is taking over to properly manage it. Royal Hoopers is now in the Nigerian Premier Basketball League and to be in the premiership is not a one man show, so they have to come in and provide special opportunities for the boys.’
The highlights of the events were the scientilating display put up by the Hoopers cheer leaders group and some celebrated Nigerian musical artistes in the likes of Chizmoney, Double K, Korkormikor, among others.
The camping exercise began from Wednesday, while the classic competition, which will see elite basketball clubs in Nigeria take on one another and two others from Cote d’Ivoire and Benin Republic, commences on Sunday.
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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