Sports
Rio 2016: IPC Moves To Delist Events
The International
Paralympic Committee (IPC), has announced that some track and field events expected to feature at the 2016 paralympics Games could be delisted due to insufficient athletes for the sports.
IPC, in a statement, said that 27 of the 177 scheduled events are currently not meeting the minimum eligibility criteria as of June 6, due to the population of athletes.
According to the statement, Head of IPC Athletics, Ryan Montgomery, urged national federations to ensure that all athletes are registered and licensed, in order to provide an accurate data for proposed events.
It added that the events would be removed and replaced, in line with the RIO 2016 Event Replacement Policy, if it failed to meet the criteria.
“When we announced the initial Rio 2016 Medal Event Programme last August, our aim was to create greater gender equality and a wider spectrum of events for all classes.
“We still believe we can achieve this alongside the work of National Paralympic Committees. Currently, some events are in jeopardy of not making the programme due to the population of athletes.
“Before we make a final decision, we want to ensure that all athletes with the potential are registered and licensed for the Rio Games.
“This step will ensure that we have the exact numbers because at the moment, we do not think this is the case,’’ the statement quoted Montgomery as saying.
The statement said that out of the 27 events currently not meeting the eligibility criteria, just six are men’s events, while 21 are from the women’s side of competition.
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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