Sports
IGSDA Holds Conference For Coaches
The Independent
Grassroots Sports development Association (IGSDA) has concluded plans to hold a one-Day Grassroots Sports Conference for Rivers State Coaches which will hold tomorrow at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt.
According to the founder and president of the association, Prince Miesi Ogunu, in an interview yesterday, the conference would focus on sports coaches in the state with the objective of dissecting the challenges and prospects of grassroots sports development in Rivers State.
The conference, he also said, would seek to create an interactive forum where coaches from the rural areas will interact freely with their counterparts from the urban areas.
Ogunu said that the conference will also try to keep the grassroots Sports Coach abreast of issues and developments in the sector, especially the policy thrust, history and pillars of the association in order to enable them function well in their various areas.
He disclosed that the conference would begin from 8.00am to 3.00pm and that a Board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Barrister Christopher Green would chairman the programme while veteran Coach, Monday Sinclair would present a position paper.
Other dignitaries expected to be part of the conference are Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Bayelsa State, Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Deputy Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Uroh Kiani, Chairan, Bayelsa State members of Board of trustees and the 23 Local government areas coordinators.
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.