Sports
Botswana Bids To Host 2014 African Youth Games
Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) yesterday presented its 2014 African Youth Games bid during the Sports Ministers Meeting in Moscow, Russia, a senior official said.
About 120 sports ministers and invited guests from across the world attended a two-day World Olympic Sport Convention where the Botswanan Sport, Youth and Culture Minister Shaw Kgathi presented the bid.
Tuelo Serufho, BNOC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said in a telephone interview the Botswana government had granted his committee the permission to bid for the 2014 African Youth Games.
“We presented to the African delegates on Botswana’s readiness to host the Games,” said Serufho.
Serufho said should Botswana host the Games, they will be the biggest international sporting spectacle the country has ever staged.
“The Games could bring together around 2,500 athletes representing 54 nations. This development has got the potential of boosting the country’s tourism sector as both athletes and spectators would require accommodation and catering services,” he said.
According to Serufho, allowing the BNOC to bid, the government did not only demonstrate commitment to sport development in the country but also showed a vote of confidence in sport authorities’ ability to stage major competitions.
Serufho said many benefits would be reaped from hosting the Games of this magnitude in a developing country like Botswana.
The African Youth Games are a multi-sport competition for athletes aged 18 years and below drawn from 54 countries in Africa.
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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