The Federal Government has stated its resolve to review the age limit of the U17 age grade participation for the National Youth Games.
According to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, starting from the next edition of the National Youth Games, the age for participation will change.
The President made this disclosure at the opening ceremony of the 8th National Youth Games, holding in Asaba, Delta State. This year’s edition of the games is tagged “Asaba 2024.”
Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, stated the need for the review of the age for the games. He said the need to revisit the age grade of the games became imperative following the decline of the nation’s athletes at the global stage.
According to him, the U15 age limit for athletes was affecting athletes’ participation. He stated that the National Youth Games is devoted to talent hunting and nurturing of young athletes.
The President, however, reiterated the role of grassroots sports development in building a strong sports sector. He emphasized that the event plays a pivotal role in the unity and peace of the nation.
Tinubu also stressed the need for a framework that goes beyond talent identification. He said there should a platform that ensures comprehensive nurturing from the grassroots to elite levels of competitions.
In his address, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host the games. He stated that his administration would continue to provide the platform for the youths to showcase their talents.
The Governor expressed optimism of new talents being discovered at the end of the games.
Oborevwori emphasized that the Delta State Government would collaborate with the Federal Government in order to achieve the aims of the competition. He stated that sports remains the only tool to promote peace and unity amongst the States in the country.
The Governor, however, expressed regrets that sports in the country was on the decline. This, he said, as a result of the poor performance of Nigeria in the last Olympics in Paris, France. He, therefore, maintained that there is the need to promote inter-house sports in both primary and secondary schools.
Oborevwori explained that over 6,000 athletes and 1,159 officials have been cleared to participate in this year’s National Youth Games. He described the games as an historic event.
The Chairman Local Organizing Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba in his earlier welcome address called on the athletes and officials to demonstrate the spirit of fair play. He urged them to compete clean and abide by the rules of the games.
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