Sports
Public Service Games Claim Athete’s Life
The ongoing 2013 Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Makurdi last Monday claimed a life with the death of Mr Sunday Dare, representing the Federal Character Commission (FCC).
The Chairman, Publicity Committee of the Games, Yohanna Sambas, who confirmed the death to newsmen on telephone, said Dare dropped dead on the badminton court.
Sambas said the deceased was on the court facing a player of the Police Service Commission (PSC) when he suddenly slumped dead.
“It is sad to confirm that the Games had recorded a casualty. One of the athletes, Mr Sunday Dare, slumped and died this (Monday) morning while playing on the badminton court,’’ he said.
An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity told newsmen that the player was given artificial respiration after he slumped.
He said even though the late Dare responded to the first aid treatment, the crowd which pushed forward to see what was happening prevented him from getting further assistance.
The death of Dare badly hit the FCC camp as many members of his team wore mournful looks.
The games had started on Friday, December 13 with the football event, while the opening ceremony was held on Monday, December 16.
Fourteen events in the male and female categories are featuring at the games expected to end on December 21.
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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