More than a thousand students drawn from nearly 70 schools are set to hit the tracks and jostle for honours in a two-day athletics event tagged ‘Maiden Lagelu Inter-Secondary Relay Race’ scheduled between 6th and 7th October at the ten lane track of the University of Ibadan.
The competition according to Tunde Olawuwo was designed by an Ibadan based private radio station (Lagelu 96.7 FM) in collaboration with the Federal and Oyo state ministries of youths and sports with view of opening a new vista of opportunities to young athletes with great potentials in sprints.
The event is also expected to serve, as a catalyst to enrich the supply chain of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, and give the students needed exposures.
Speaking ahead of the event, the new Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the federal ministry of youths and sports, Femi Ajao described the initiative as commendable, while pledging the readiness of the ministry to fully support the event.
According to him, the ministry stands ready to organize a credible competition, while assuring of the full complement of technical officials of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria to ensure credibility.
Similarly, the Oyo state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Barrister Abayomi Oke has lauded Lagelu FM Radio for creating such a viable platform for budding potentials in the state, who hitherto have not been enjoying such opportunities.
As the itinerary stipulates, five major events are listed at the competition – which include 4×100, 4 x 200, 4 x 400 all in male and female categories while mixed and medley races will also feature.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri
