The initiator of the inaugural Athletics School Games (TASG), Seun Akinbohun, has said that the positive feedback from the maiden edition has inspired her to organise a second edition, which she hopes will throw up some of talented athletes that will eventually represent Nigeria in major events like the African and Olympic Games.

The Lagos State Athletics Association (LSAA) sanctioned tournament is rapidly gaining recognition among schools, with more teams eager to participate in this year’s edition.

She explained: “TASG began as a passion project for sports. I observed that the focus in Lagos had shifted predominantly to swimming competitions, leaving little opportunity for children interested in athletics. I decided to take action and create something meaningful.

“Growing up, I was deeply involved in track and field, and I wanted my children and their friends to have similar opportunities to showcase their athletic skills.”

Reflecting on the maiden edition, Akinbohun expressed her satisfaction with the experience. “You never know what you can achieve until you try. The first edition was a great experience, receiving positive feedback from participating schools, officials, and technical advisers. It was fulfilling to see the children enjoy the games, remember the medals, and cherish the experience.”

The first edition of the event featured 11 schools, including four primary and seven secondary. For the second edition, she said that the number has increased to 16 schools, with eight primary and eight secondary schools confirmed.

Akinbohun encouraged other stakeholders to follow her lead and contribute to sports development in Nigeria.

“If we all complain less and take action, we can achieve so much. There are hundreds of schools in Lagos alone that we can accommodate. Friendly competitions teach children valuable lessons, and sportsmanship is a key focus for us at TASG. It’s not just about winning medals; it’s about making lifelong friends and learning important life lessons.”

In addition to LSAA’s endorsement, she revealed that TASG has received backing from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and World Athletics, adding: “We hope to expand and include public schools in the future. It’s a work in progress, but we aim to bring public and private schools together for friendly competitions. We look forward to more support from the government and potential collaborations.”