Fourth National Youth Games begins in Ilorin

The tracks and fields of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) will come alive today when Nigerian youths from across the country gather to vie for honours in various events. It is the fourth National Youth Games, which is a 10-day festival featuring 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Director, Grassroots Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports, Demola Are revealed that the states will participate in 33 sports at the games aimed at discovering hidden talents from the grassroots.

“We are happy with the progress made so far in ensuring that for the fourth year in a row, we have continued to organise the National Youth Games which is a vital aspect of unearthing talents,” Are said.

He reemphasized that in line with the dreams of the founding fathers of the event, athletes identified during the competition will be developed and nurtured for future national and international competitions.

“Those who were discovered in previous games represented Nigeria at the last Africa Youth Games which served as qualifiers for the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.