Sports
Power Gym Excites Paralympians
Some of Nigeria’s Paralympians at the weekend assured that they would make the best use of the newly-renovated power gym at the National Stadium in Lagos to prepare for international competitions.
Tidesports source reports that the gym, which was renovated and equipped by FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, makers of Peak milk, was unveiled last Friday.
Paul Kehinde, a 2016 Rio Paralympics gold medalist, described the gym as a dream come through which would go a long way to make training and preparations for vital competitions easy.
Kehinde said the gym have a standard look with world-class equipment which they could only have access to whenever they go for world championships, as well as continental and inter-continental games.
“Our days of training with dangerous and outdated equipment have gone. We can now boast of a world-class gym which has come at the right time with the Commonwealth Games.
“We have all it takes to shake the world and we are going to start with the Commonwealth Games. The only thing we need in terms of training tour is to acclimatise,” he said.
Folashade Oluwafemilayo, another Paralympian, told newsmen that she was very happy with the completion of the project.
She said the facility’s former state had been a nightmare for many athletes whenever major games were coming up.
Oluwafemilayo, who won a silver medal in the women’s -75kg class, said she was itching to train in the new gym. “It will help me improve my skill and present form.
“My joy today is that Peak came to our rescue. They promised and delivered. In short, I can’t wait to train in the gym from Monday.
“I am targeting a gold medal at this year’s Commonwealth Games and with this development and my able coach, I know I will make it. Thanks once again to Peak milk,” she said.
Taiwo Tolulope, also 2016 Paralympian, said FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, has given athletes a sense of belonging after numerous successes in many Games against all odds.
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.