Sports
Ajunwa, Udo-Obong Laud Organisers Of Summer Games
Nigeria’s first Olympics gold medalist during Atlanta ‘96 fiesta, Chioma Ajunwa, and Enefiok Udo-Obong, the Sydney 2000 gold medalist, have lauded Discovery Brands for sponsoring the just concluded Beach Summer Games in Lagos.
Tidesports gathered that the Beach Summer Games organised by Discovery Brands took place at the Eko Atlantic Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos from March 3 to 4.
The Olympians spoke in interviews with newsmen on the sidelines of the two days event.
Ajunwa, in her remarks, described the event as a welcome development, saying that it brought different aspect of competitions to sport and entertainment.
“ I am impressed with the array of events as presented by the organiser.
“The participants have fun while competing for medals; indeed, it is unique and it drives home the objectives of the games.
“The project will definitely yield huge success, if more sponsors can back it as it will carry along many fun lovers who have passion for the competition.
“In Europe and U.S, this is what we call alternative sport where fun seekers try to compete for medals in the event that is quite different from what everyone is used to.
“Indeed, it is a good thing for us to have this also in Nigeria.
“I believe the future is bright as the Beach Summer Games was well received by participants and fans,’’ Ajunwa said.
Also, Udo-Obong said that the game was a unique competition that combined healthy competition and fun for the unprofessional athletes.
He said that it would go a long way to cater for fun seekers who enjoy participating in any event that does not require rigorous preparation.
“I am impressed with what I saw at the Beach Summer Games, I urge the organiser to continue to strive for excellence.
“It will not be easy getting sponsors, but they must continue to showcase their stuffs to the world to get acceptance”, Udo-Obong said.
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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