By Solomon Nwoke
Lagos State has won the maiden South West Games which came to a close Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium Onikan Lagos.
The host state emerged champion with 14 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals with a total of 21 medals. Ogun state, host of the next National Sports Festival (NSF) placed second with 10 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals and a total of 25 medals while Ondo state were third, having 3 gold, 9 Silver and 7 Bronze medals, totalling 19 medals.
Oyo State won 2 gold, 4 Silver and 9 bronze and a total of 15 medals to place fourth, while placed fifth with a gold and silver apiece and Eight bronze with a total of 10 medals just rocked the bottom medal table with three Silver and Five bronze with a total of eight medals for the sixth position.
The closing ceremony showcased more of South West culture and fanfare highlighted by captivating performance from top Fuji artist Saheed Osupa, who also thrilled audience of fans, athletes, officials, and distinguished guests during the grand opening ceremony.
Winners in all the states from Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos states were thrilled to the vibrant cultural displays while celebrating their victory at the Games
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the South West Games, the Director of Communication for the South West Games project, Victor Gonsalo applauded the organizers and the entire athletes.
“Regional Games are meant to prepare the athletes for the National Sports Festival (NSF). The National Games cannot give you the kind of depth you want to get in competitions like this”, Gonsalo said, adding “if all the Sports Commissions in the country can organize a thing like this to churn out new talents from Regional Games, it will help in the overall development of the national sports”.
