Sports
Registration Begins For N’Delta National Open Games
Registration for the maiden edition of the Niger Delta National Open Games for pupils, students and adults has commenced with the sum of N3,000.00 for children and N5,000.00 for adults.
The game which is also tagged Sie Sports Festival will begin its training sessions in June, preparatory to the fiesta which is expected to kick-off from 30th August this year.
The aim of the games tagged “operation catch them young” according to the organisers, is to develop grassroots sports, prevent child obesity through increased physical fitness and sports in schools. It is also geared towards making fitness part of the region’s culture for a healthy life style.
According to the organizser of the programme, who is also the president of the Nigeria Body Building/Fitness Federation (NBBF), Mr. Soye Elekima, the festival is in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Sports and Silver Bird Communications. The fiesta according to him, is open to all pupils and students from all schools.
Also, the “Niger Delta National Games Open” which is designed to be an annual festival promises scholarship to children and cash prizes for adults from ages 50-80.
He said that the training would be based on different sports specifications which include boxing, taekwando, dance, sports, karate, weightlifting, archery, teen challenges championship, arm wrestling, athletics, cross field championship, table tennis, strongman arts festival, healthy life style festival for ages 50-80, 5km pump and ran and ultimate classic.
Others are, Miss Bikini Nigeria, cheer volleyball and line dance, for the aged fitness expose for the most up-to-date fitness supplement equipment and sports apparels.
The programme is expected to take the winners of the Sie Sports Festival to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival scheduled for March 2012, in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
Other competitions available include World Miss Bikini, from 5th – 9th October, 2012 in Bialystok, Poland, while, the African Body Building and World Body Building championship comes up from 18th – 22nd October and 5th – 9th November 2012, in Cairo, Egypt and Guayaquil, Ecuador, respectively.
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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