The director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has urged Nigeria’s Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) contingent to view their participation in the forthcoming 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State as a pivotal step towards achieving sporting greatness.
Olopade delivered this inspiring message during a visit to the athletes at their training camp in Abuja yesterday, where he engaged in an interactive discussion aimed at boosting their morale ahead of the Games.
The NSC is heralding a new era in Nigerian sports with the IJA concept, which highlights the country’s top young talent across various disciplines as they prepare to represent the 38th State at the Sports Festival.
The Olopade reminded the athletes that they are the future of Nigerian sports, which is why the concept was strongly supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its introduction at the Gateway Games.
“This is the first time Nigeria has implemented such an arrangement,” Olopade stated. “For those of you who make it to Abeokuta, your names will be etched in history forever. So, work diligently to qualify for Abeokuta.”
He added, “We established the Invited Junior Athletes concept because we believe in the immense talent that our youth possess. If you have competed in the Youth Games and emerged as a champion, we want to see how you transition into the elite level. Competing and succeeding against elite athletes is crucial for your development.”
The DG also promised that those who excel at the festival could receive a substantial reward. “If you win 10 gold medals at the Festival in Ogun State, you will receive a significant gift from the chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikkko.”
He concluded with gratitude, saying, “Thank you for your dedication to the nation and for pursuing your passion. May God guide you all to greater heights in this journey.”
The Invited Junior Athletes will compete in nine sports at the Gateway Games, including Athletics, Badminton, Football, Para Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Wrestling, and Weightlifting.
