Sports
Group Plans Sports Festival For Almajiris, Orphans
Plans are underway to host the maiden sports festival for Almajiris, orphans and vulnerable children in the country.
The organiser of the festival and founder, Challenged Children Charity Foundation (3CF) Mrs Ugonna Kalu, told newsmen last week in Abuja that the event “is aimed at empowering less privileged children through sports’’.
Kalu said trophies and prizes would be won at the festival, which is scheduled to take place in the country’s six geopolitical zones and Abuja, between November 16 and November 29.
She identified football, athletics, basketball, volleyball and table tennis as the five major sporting events that would be competed for at the festival tagged: “Orphanage Homes Sports Festival Nigeria, 2013’’.
“If less privileged children are empowered through education and sports, the society will be rid of urchins, hoodlums, armed bandits, child soldiers and terrorists.
“It is with the aim of exposing the potentials which Almajiris and orphans possess that 3CF is organising the festival.
The event is also designed as grassroots sports activity to give Almajiris, orphans and vulnerable children a sense of pride, dignity and hope for a brighter future,’’ Kalu said.
A member of the group, Mr Tom Nnakwe, said they were collaborating with the National Sports Commission, FCT Sports Council, Nigeria Football Association, Ministry of Women Affairs and various sports federations, to actualise the festival.
Nnakwe, however, said the group was constrained by lack of funds, and urged well meaning philanthropists and organisations to make the festival eventful “to provide succour to the less privileged children in the country’’.
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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