Sports
Coach Urges Employment Of Para-athletes
A Lagos State Para-ath
letics coach, Adenuga Adegboyega, has appealed to states sports’ authorities to employ athletes who excelled in competitions organised by local government councils.
Adegboyega told newsmen in Lagos that such opportunities would go a long way in encouraging grassroots athletes.
He said that when the athletes were gainfully employed, it would reduce the number of miscreants among those of them that were talented in sports.
“Youth employment, especially for winners of competitions is a means to encourage them to be more committed,’’ Adegboyega said.
He said some youths performed credibly well in different sports during competitions organised by local governments across the states and it was only proper to retain such talents.
“When an athlete proves his or her worth at grassroots competitions, I think it is better to make provision to retain them and monitor their development by employing them.
“Competitions organised at the local government help to identify future stars and if we do not provide them with employment opportunity, they will shift to other areas,’’ Adegboyega said.
He advised the authorities to endeavor to create an enabling environment for youths in their domain to exhibit their skills as a way of enhancing grassroots development in the state.
The coach further urged the youths to be focused and develop their skills in areas where they were gifted by going for training.
He urged the youths to be obedient to the technical officials in charge of sports.
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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