By Anne Azuka
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State chapter is set to kick off the 2nd edition of the State Local Governments Sports Festival on February 14 this year.
The 25 Local Government Areas of the state are participating in the festival and it is ALGON Delta’s contribution towards the development of grassroot sports development.
The arrival of athletes for the festival is on February 13th, opening ceremony will be on the 14th while the closing ceremony will be on the 15th. The departure will on February 16.
The competition will hold inside the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. Opening and Closing ceremonies starts at 2pm each day.
The competition is for young athletes between the ages of 14 and 16 (junior category) and 18 years and above (senior category).
About 1000 athletes are expected to compete in 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4×100m and 4×400. Others include Mixed relays, High Jump, Long jump, Discus, Shot Put and Javelin.
It could be recalled that the 1st edition of the ALGON Sports festival (Athletics) produced 39 prospective athletes in the U17 category.
20 Females and 19 Males were identified by the National Coordinator and National Head Coach Athletics, Seigha Porbeni.
According to the breakdown, in the Female: 5 sprinters, 7 middle distance runners, 6 long distance runners and 2 field events athletes were identified and among these, 2 of them have gained scholarships to continue their athletic career in two Universities in the United States of America.
They are Ella Onojuwvewo, who just ran a lifetime best of 52.73s in the 400m at LSU, Nigeria’s leading this season while Success Umukoro just ran a 5.54s in the 400m race for Auburn State University.
In the Male category, 12 sprinters, 7 middle distance runners and 1field event athlete. The males also have their share of luck as one of them is now in New Mexico University in the USA.
Mr. Harrison Ocholor, ALGON Delta Sports Festival Consultant who disclosed this to Sports Writers in Asaba said ALGON is looking forward to more talents to be identified in this 2nd edition and also be opportune to gain scholarships.
