Shettima to Open Gateway Games National Sports Festival Sunday
By Samuel Akpan reporting Live from Abeokuta
Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Sunday declare open the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games” in Abeokuta, Ogun capital.
Shettima made this known during the official festival kit presentation by the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko to the Vice President, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume in Abuja on Friday.
The festival, which promises to showcase athletic excellence, cultural splendor, and national pride, will feature over 10,000 athletes from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and a team of exceptional young talents competing independently as the “38th state.”
According to the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko in a statement on Saturday, the festival is a strategic platform to discover emerging talents and strengthen national unity through sport.
“The National Sports Festival is not merely a tradition but a strategic platform to discover emerging talents and strengthen national unity through the power of sport,” Dikko said.
This year’s edition will feature 33 sports, making it one of the most extensive in the festival’s history. The Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) team will compete in various sports, showcasing Nigeria’s future champions.
Beyond the competition, Gateway Games Ogun 2024 will showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, with pageantry, traditional music, dance, and art exhibitions.
The festival promises to be a grand celebration of the nation’s identity, bringing together Nigerians from all walks of life to celebrate the nation’s sporting prowess.
Events will take place across multiple venues, including the Alake Sports Centre, MKO Abiola Sports Complex formerly MKO Abiola Stadium, Remo Stars Stadium, and other key facilities.
The Games Village will be hosted at Babcock University, providing a comfortable and secure environment for athletes and officials.
The Festival stands as a powerful reminder of what the nation can achieve through shared passion, pride, and purpose.
With the theme of unity and athletic excellence, the festival is expected to be a memorable experience for all participants and spectators.
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