Sanwo-Olu Targets Grassroots Sports Boost as Lagos Hosts National Intermediate Festival

Lagos State is set to host the inaugural National Intermediate Sports Festival from October 1 to 15, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu saying the event will provide a major boost to grassroots sports development.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Saturday while inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, one of the facilities being prepared for the maiden national event.

The governor said Lagos accepted the hosting rights after the National Sports Commission selected the state to stage the first edition of the festival.

He said between 14,000 and 15,000 young athletes are expected to participate in the competition, with Rowe Park and other sporting facilities across the state also expected to serve as venues.

Sanwo-Olu described the festival as an opportunity to identify and develop young talents before they progress to elite sports, while also encouraging athletes to build their careers in Nigeria.

During the inspection, the governor toured the main football and athletics arenas, indoor sports hall, volleyball court and swimming pool at the stadium.

He said the rehabilitation of sporting facilities across Lagos formed part of a wider programme initiated by his administration about three years ago to restore and modernise sports infrastructure across the state.

According to him, facilities in Surulere, Ifako, Bariga, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry have either been rehabilitated or are undergoing upgrades.

At Teslim Balogun Stadium, Sanwo-Olu said the main bowl was undergoing extensive reconstruction, including the upgrade of the football pitch to FIFA standards.

He added that natural grass had already been installed, while the tartan track was expected to be completed within the next four to six weeks.

The governor expressed confidence that the stadium and other venues would be ready to meet the required standards before the October festival.

He also assured that work on the swimming pool and other outstanding facilities would be completed within the available timeframe.

Sanwo-Olu said the hosting opportunity had increased the urgency of completing the rehabilitation projects, adding that the event would help strengthen the foundation of sports development in the country.

“About two months ago, we had the unique opportunity that the National Sports Commission handed over to Lagos, the hosting rights for the very first National Intermediate Sports Festival,” he said.

“We want to hold grassroots sports. We want to encourage the young people before they begin to jump out and run away. We want to hold and develop all the children.”

The governor said Lagos’ hosting of the festival would further demonstrate the state’s commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes to discover, develop and showcase their talents.