By Tony Ubani
Lagos has promised to bring panache to the hosting of the Eko 2026 National Intermediate Games, scheduled to kick off from October 1 to 15.
The Games will feature 28 sporting disciplines, with between 13,000 and 15,000 athletes expected from all states of the federation.
The events include; Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3×3), Boxing, Chess, Cricket, Football, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Netball, Rugby, Scrabble, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Traditional Sports (Ayo, Abula, Kokowa), Volleyball/Beach Volleyball, Wrestling, and Weightlifting/Para Powerlifting.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Sam Egube, said Lagos, in its unique style, would make the Games remarkable, while warning age cheats to stay away from the competition.
“This is going to be a unique Games to remember. It is going to conform to all international standards, both in safety and organisation. We’re not holding anything back because this stage of athletes are the ones who will represent our future.”
He said relevant committees, including Media, Accommodation, Technical and Security, among others, had been formed, with tested and trusted hands to ensure that things run smoothly.
He also promised that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be deployed to ensure sanity on the roads and prevent state contingents from missing their events due to traffic.
The University of Lagos will provide accommodation for all participating athletes.
According to him, the Games are intended not only to determine winners but also to strengthen grassroots sports development, identify emerging talents and create opportunities for athletes to progress to higher levels of competition.
The Games will be staged at several sporting venues across Lagos, including the Teslim Balogun Stadium, National Stadium Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos, Agege Sports Centre, Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval and Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Members of the Organising Committee
Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Gbenga Omotoso, reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensuring a well-organised tournament. He urged members of the sporting media to cooperate in giving the Games the best publicity they deserve.
