The recently concluded State sports festival, was a strategic move by the Ogun State Government to revitalise sports at grassroots level, thereby serving as a talent pool for national and international competitions.

This was the submission of the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, while featuring on a television programme in Abeokuta on the recently concluded state sports festival and preparation for the upcoming National Sports Festival.

Hon. Isiaka disclosed that subsequent editions of the State Sports Festival would commence from February 3, in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to commemorate the creation of the state, saying the event would feature a sporting fiesta, cultural display and several others to foster unity and teamwork among communities.

He highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of the youth and channelling their energy into productive ventures for their personal success and the socio-economic gains of the state, reiterating government’s commitment to organising a world-class National Sports Festival for a successful hosting.

The Commissioner informed that there would be an open camp for athletes to compete against one another to prove their mettle, where a strong team of athletes would be selected to represent the state at the games.

“The new talents discovered will join the core of our athletes that have already been established, as this will accord the state the opportunity of having a pool of athletes that could be groomed and nurtured for national and international competitions. With our rich sporting talents and world-class infrastructure, we are optimistic of making significant impact at the National Sports Festival”, he said.