Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has declared open the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival, with athletes from the 16 local government areas competing across 28 sporting events.
The multi-sport competition, holding at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, is scheduled to end on August 29.
The governor, who was represented at the opening ceremony on Saturday by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, urged the athletes to embrace unity, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
“We are here to compete, we are here to make friends, and we are here to showcase sports. Unity remains our best option,” Magaji said on behalf of the governor.
AbdulRazaq said the festival was aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence, friendship and sportsmanship among young people while providing a platform for the discovery of talents at the grassroots.
He noted that the revival of the biennial state sports festival was part of his administration’s efforts to promote youth engagement and sports development in the state.
The governor urged the athletes to give their best in their respective events but cautioned them against neglecting their education in pursuit of sporting careers.
He said young people should maximise their sporting talents while also acquiring the education and knowledge that would provide a strong foundation for their future.
AbdulRazaq subsequently declared the festival open amid applause from athletes, coaches, sports officials and representatives of the participating local government areas.
The festival has drawn athletes from the 16 local governments, who are expected to compete for honours in 28 sporting events before the competition ends on August 29.
The representative of the state Head of Service, Haliru Ayatu, described the festival as evidence of efforts to expand sporting activities and create opportunities for young athletes.
Ayatu said the renovation and upgrading of sporting facilities had created a more conducive environment for athletes and sports lovers.
“Sports has gone beyond entertainment. It has become a career and a business through which young people can earn a living,” Ayatu said.
He urged the athletes to make the most of the competition by gaining experience, developing their talents and building careers.
Ayatu also advised the participants to approach the competition with discipline and sportsmanship.
“The festival should be seen as a fair competition and not a fight,” he added.
The Executive Chairman of Isin Local Government, Ezekiel Benjamin, commended the state government for the transformation and upgrading of the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex.
Benjamin said the stadium had historically produced athletes who went on to represent Kwara and Nigeria at national and international competitions.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing festival would provide another opportunity to discover athletes capable of competing at higher levels.
“The participation of all the 16 local governments is important for grassroots sports development,” Benjamin said.
He urged the athletes to remain committed to their respective disciplines, saying dedication and perseverance could lead to excellence.
Former Chairman of Kwara United Football Club and former Board Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Council, Bamidele Aluko, described the return of the festival as a positive development for grassroots sports.
Aluko said the competition would enable sports administrators to identify talents directly from the grassroots rather than relying on established athletes.
“Grassroots sports development should begin from the schools and progress through local government competitions to the state level,” Aluko said.
He urged local government chairmen to become more proactive in supporting sports development in their respective areas.
Aluko also advised the athletes to take advantage of the festival to showcase their talents and pursue opportunities in their chosen sporting disciplines.
Former Director of Sports, Serah Bola Esan, said the festival would provide an avenue for young athletes to demonstrate their abilities and pursue their sporting ambitions.
Esan urged the athletes and officials to uphold discipline, determination and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Steve Olarinoye, thanked the state government, participating local governments, coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers for their support.
Olarinoye assured stakeholders that the committee would continue to work towards ensuring a successful and well-organised competition.
“We will continue to work diligently towards ensuring a successful and memorable festival,” Olarinoye said.
Also speaking, Solomon Jaja, who represented the governor, said the festival was not only about winning medals but also about promoting unity, friendship and talent development among young people.
Jaja urged local government chairmen to continue supporting their athletes and providing young people with opportunities to develop their talents.
He also reiterated the importance of education, urging athletes not to abandon their studies while pursuing sporting careers.
“Sporting talent should go hand in hand with education,” Jaja said.
“You should make proper use of your talents while you are young and physically agile, while also acquiring the education and knowledge that will serve you in the future.”
The festival is expected to further promote grassroots sports development, talent discovery and healthy competition among young people from across the 16 local government areas of the state.