It was thrills and frills as the 2-in-1 Traditional Sports Championships for Secondary Schools Students ended at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos at the weekend.
The three-day event, which featured 200 students from 20 schools selected from five education districts in Lagos, was part of efforts of the Lagos State Sports Commission to popularise lesser sports in the State especially among students.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya, said the hosting of the tournament by the State Government is part of a conscious effort by the present administration to reactivate lesser sports through the grooming of young talents from same.
In his words, “We hosted Cricket and Rugby tournaments recently; the Hockey League is ongoing, we will soon have softball and baseball tournament. We want to make sure that no sports is left behind in the all round development of grassroots sports in Lagos.”
“I’m happy that in the process of developing these sports, we are equally discovering a pool of talents who will in the long run add value to overall development of sports in the State.”
In his remark, Chairman of Lagos State Traditional Sports Association, Bashir Augusto said that no fewer than 18 athletes were discovered among the students in “Ayo” during the competition, while scores of others were outstanding in other games.
He commended the Lagos State Government, through the Sports Commission, for its support towards the organisation of the 2-in-1 Traditional Sports Championships and presentation of awards to outstanding schools and students at the end of the ceremony.
